Read Ahead is pleased to be an official charity partner in the 2026 TCS NYC Marathon. If you would like to join our team, we invite you to fill out the runner interest form below.
Read Ahead helps New York City youth build the literacy skills, love of reading, and confidence they need to thrive in school and beyond. We partner with under-resourced public elementary schools, students and their families, leading corporations, and caring volunteers to foster a love of learning in young readers through our weekly reading-based mentoring program.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn to read, but far too many are struggling with this important skill. Nationally, reading scores for 4th-grade students are at their lowest in point in more than 20 years. For elementary school students — who are at a critical age where children learn to read, and form the foundation of their relationship with school and learning — the need for additional, individualized support has never been more urgent.
Team Read Ahead raises vital funds to support Read Ahead’s program in nine New York City public elementary schools.
As part of Team Read Ahead, all runners commit to raising $5,000 or more, and receive:
- Guaranteed non-complimentary entry to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon
- Read Ahead running swag
- A Runna subscription, the top-rated training platform for running, to provide your runners with a personalized and adaptable training plan to help them achieve their goals at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon
- A personalized fundraising page, with resources and expert support to help you meet your goal
- Access to the Team Read Ahead Strava group and email listserv
- Runners who fundraised over $7,000 will be eligible for priority selection for a future race.
Thank you again for your interest in joining Team Read Ahead!
Interested? Fill out our runner application form below!
Questions? Email us at marathon@readahead.org.