Looking to support our 2026 marathon runners?

Visit our team page to make a gift online. Thank you for helping us across our fundraising finish line!

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Team Trainings & Upcoming Events

Community Run Schedule

All group runs take place on Saturdays. Please refer to the calendar coach Matt sent you for suggested weekday trainings. 

  • September 5: 14 miles

  • September 12: 10 miles

  • September 19: 16 miles

  • September 26: 12-14 miles 

  • October 3: 18 miles

  • October 10: 16-18 miles

  • October 17: 20-22 miles

  • October 24: 8-10 miles, LAST PART OF NYC MARATHON ROUTE!

  • October 31: Shakeout run (<2 miles)

Virtual Workshops

Post-Run Recovery Routine
Stretching, foam rolling, and more.

Wednesday, October 7 at 8:30 a.m. ET

Hosted By: Patrick Burford, LMT., Altius Massage LLC


 

Headshot of Patrick Burford

MEET PATRICK - Patrick is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and graduate of The Swedish Institute College of Health Science. He has been practicing massage since 2015, including 4 years providing massage at a top physical therapy practice in New York City. 

Patrick is an expert at treating and explaining the course of treatment to clients with musculoskeletal injuries, postural distortions, nerve injuries and problems managing stress. He also has a certification in Prenatal Massage from MaMassage and Pacific College of Health Science.

As a former Division I collegiate athlete, Patrick has weathered all manner of injuries, aches, and pains. Take advantage of the wealth of knowledge he has gained through all of his life experiences.

 

Pre-Race Fueling and Hydration

Wednesday, October 14 at 8:30 a.m. ET

Hosted By: Oliver Lopez, YMCA of Greater New York

 

General Nutrition for Amateur Endurance Athletes

Wednesday, October 24 at 8:30 a.m. ET

Hosted By: Oliver Lopez, YMCA of Greater New York


 

Headshot of Oliver Lopez

MEET OLIVER - Oliver is a registered dietitian-nutritionist with a master's degree and the Director of Health and Fitness for the YMCA of Greater New York.

Oliver has extensive experience in both nutrition and fitness, including backgrounds in Personal Training and Group Exercise. He has worked with individuals preparing for endurance events and will be sharing insights to help runners optimize their nutrition, performance, recovery, and overall health.

Upcoming Events

Y Community Markets volunteering - DATE TBA

Team Dinner | Friday, October 30 | West Side YMCA, Parkside Room

Because Team Y Champions is much larger this year than in years past, we'll be hosting the dinner at the branch in the Parkside Lounge. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate guests. Come hungry! 

Marathon Day Essentials

Getting to the Start

SELECTING TRANSPORTATION

The transportation selection window closes Tuesday, September 8, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Note: This year's process is slightly different from previous years. In your NYRR portal, you will be prompted to select your preferred transportation mode and departure location. NYRR will then assign your departure time based on your start wave to ensure you arrive on time. Exact details of your final transportation departure time will be communicated to you in October.

Options fill quickly and will no longer be available for selection once full.

Team Y Gear

If you do not receive your singlet at one of our training or community runs, singlets and other team gear will be handed out at the marathon dinner. For those who cannot attend, we will confirm your size and mail it to you in October. 

We know what you wear on race day is important and personal. We ask that you wear our running hat and/or singlet so you can be visible to us, our photographer, and your friends and family! We also hope that you are proud to represent Team Y Champions as much as we are proud to have you.

Bag Drop Off/Pick Up

West Side YMCA is in NYRR's Family Reunion Zone, which gets overcrowded, so we highly suggest you take advantage of this:

  • You have membership access from Friday through Sunday at the hours listed on the pass you will receive via email. You can use the Parkside Room (to the right of the security desk) to drop off and pick up your belongings, use the showers and locker rooms, as well as reunite with your loved ones on Sunday.
  • Share your pass with those who are meeting you so they can get through security. You'll see that the PDF pass lists the access hours as such: Friday 6-9PM, Saturday 8AM-5PM, Sunday 8AM-10PM.
  • This isn't an official after party, but there will be light refreshments.
Marathon Expo

Thursday, October 29 to Saturday, October 31 | Jacob K. Javits Center

To get your official marathon participant bib, you will need to make an appointment to pick it up in person. Log in to your NYRR dashboard beginning Tuesday, August 25, at 12:00 p.m. ET and select an available bib pickup time slot. Don't forget to bring your ID and runner confirmation form with you!

Race Day

CHEER ZONE 

We'll have a dedicated zone in Park Slope from 9am-1pm cheering you on with your friends and family! We'll have a professional photographer to get your photo as you pass. Please wear your Y singlet and/or hat so we can spot you. Shareable invites will be sent to your donors starting in early-mid October.

Note: Depending on your starting color, you'll be routed to the right or left side of the median on 4th Av. All runners converge at mile 8 (just after the cheer zone).

Injuries

Injured? We're so sorry and wish you a speedy recovery! If you'd like to defer and guarantee your spot for 2027, you would need to fulfill your fundraising goal of $4,500 by October 31 this year.  We would then be able to defer your entry for next year and you would not have any contractual fundraising obligations in 2027. 

The other option would be to fully withdraw, however, that will require you to apply with the rest of the applicant pool for next year.  

2025 Y marathon runner hugs Y Staff along route.

MORE TO COME: 

  • Team WhatsApp
  • Social media and in-branch highlights
  • Opening Ceremony (Parade of Nations)
  • Post-race perks
  • Medal engraving

Questions? Contact our Charity Manager at teamychampions@ymcanyc.org, or contact Anthony Escobar directly at aescobar@ymcanyc.org 

We can't wait to cheer you on!