Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that "runs" New York City, announced that registration is now open for 2K for 2-K, a new free, family-friendly event celebrating the launch of the Mamdani administration's historic 2-K program and encouraging families to apply for a seat this fall.
The 2K for 2-K event, along with accompanying youth dashes and a family festival, will take place June 7 at 8 a.m. in Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan. The event is open to the public through registration on the NYRR website. Capacity is limited, and registration will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to the 2-kilometer (1.2 mile) family run and walk for participants ages 2 and older, the event will feature short dashes for children ages 2 to 11, as well as games and activities for families.
2-K is the City's answer to the child care affordability crisis, delivering free, full-day, full-year quality child care to New York City families. In partnership with Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Mamdani announced the launch of 2-K on the eighth day of his administration. Families in the initial four 2-K communities have until June 26 to apply at myschools.nyc.
"This January, we drew the starting line for universal child care. Later this summer, the first 2,000 families will receive life-changing offers for free, full-day, full-year child care for their 2-year-olds. But this work is a marathon, not a sprint. We are building a city where every family, no matter where they live or how much money they earn, has access to the care they need to build a life in New York City," said Mayor Mamdani. "This race is about bringing families together to raise awareness about 2-K, and giving New York's cutest the running start they deserve."
"New York Road Runners is proud to continue our enduring partnership with the city of New York and welcome families from across the five boroughs to run, walk, and celebrate the launch of 2-K together," said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. "This event embodies our vision as a nonprofit to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running and we look forward to seeing the next generation of runners and New Yorkers on the start line."
New York Road Runners produces 60 adult and youth races annually, including the TCS New York City Marathon, and provides free year-round youth and community programming like Rising New York Road Runners. The nonprofit's running-based youth program serves 200,000 students nationwide, including 100,000 students in New York City. Throughout the year, NYRR hosts more than 20 free Rising New York Road Runners youth events, including its marquee event, the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff. The 2K for 2-K event expands the nonprofit's decades-long partnership with the City.
In February, Mayor Mamdani launched a 2-K request for information, and last month, announced that most 2-K seats would operate on a full-day and full-year schedule. Earlier this month, the Administration partnered with Bronx-born rapper Cardi B to host a 2-K jingle contest, with the winner to be announced later this summer.
The Mayor and Governor announced the first four communities to receive 2000 free 2-K seats in March.
