The Bronx is gearing up for a major celebration of health and community as 12,000 runners prepare to participate in the sold-out New Balance Bronx 10 Mile on Sunday. This premier event, organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR), will showcase the borough’s vibrant energy and mark NYRR’s deep-rooted history in the Bronx, where the organization was founded in 1958 at Macombs Dam Park.
As part of the New York Road Runners Five-Borough Series, the race will take participants on a scenic tour of the Bronx, starting from Grand Concourse and heading north to Mosholu Parkway before finishing near the iconic Yankee Stadium and Joseph Yancey Track. This 10-mile race, which evolved from the Bronx Half Marathon held since 1995, has been a staple event since 2012, and New Balance has been the title sponsor since 2016.
“The Bronx is not only the birthplace of New York Road Runners but also home to a diverse running community that thrives year-round,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of NYRR. “We’re proud to support this community and offer a weekend filled with opportunities for movement and activity, culminating in the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile.”
The celebration extends beyond the 10-mile race, with an exciting addition this year: the newly renamed Boogie Down Kids Run. Hundreds of young runners, ages 2-18, will participate in this youth event, where they’ll receive a medal for their efforts. It’s a key component of NYRR’s ongoing commitment to engage people of all ages in the Bronx through free, accessible programs such as Rising New York Road Runners and NYRR Open Run.
Born and raised in the Bronx, NYRR Senior Vice President of Events and Race Director Ted Metellus said, “The New Balance Bronx 10 Mile perfectly captures the spirit of the borough. It brings together people of all speeds, abilities, and ages to experience the best of what the Bronx has to offer.”
The Bronx faces significant health challenges, with recent reports showing it as the least healthy county in New York for the 16th consecutive year. But events like the Bronx 10 Mile aim to make a difference by promoting healthier lifestyles. To encourage even more Bronx residents to stay active, NYRR will host a free Shakeout at St. Mary’s event on Saturday, Sept. 21. This 3-mile fun run and walk, led by Bronx native and Peloton Instructor Rad Lopez, will welcome all participants, regardless of speed or experience.
In 2024, the Bronx was named by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings and Roadmaps as the least healthy county in New York for the 16th consecutive year. According to the report, 23% of adults in the borough are in fair or poor health and 35% are obese.
