CityTrack & Little Feet Celebrate NYRR Day with One-Mile Challenge

On Wednesday, May 6, every child participating in CityTrack and Little Feet stepped onto the track with one goal in mind: complete eight laps and finish their first mile challenge. More than just a run, the event celebrated perseverance, confidence, and the idea that every young athlete is capable of accomplishing hard things.

To make the day feel truly special, every participant wore a race bib that read “Future Track Star” as a reminder that this milestone is only the beginning of their athletic journey. Athletes were encouraged to run at the best pace they could, while coaches ran alongside them offering encouragement, motivation, and support every step of the way.

Families helped make the event unforgettable. Parents came down to track level to create signs, cheer on their children, and celebrate each lap completed. The atmosphere reflected the strong sense of community that defines CityTrack and Little Feet programming.

After completing all eight laps, every student earned a medal to take home. For many coaches, one of the proudest moments was seeing students accomplish a goal they had been working toward for weeks and watching them carry that achievement with pride.

The event also featured special guests from New York Road Runners, including German Martinez, NYRR's Vice President of Community Impact, and Ted Metellus, NYRR’s Chief Event Production Officer and Race Director of the TCS New York City Marathon.

Ted Metellus shared an inspiring message with students about the TCS New York City Marathon, helping children connect their one-mile accomplishment to the larger idea of setting bigger goals over time. He explained that while the marathon is 26.2 miles, every runner begins somewhere and that through dedication and perseverance, people grow stronger and more confident in their abilities.

As students looked at the medals hanging around their necks, they were reminded not only that they earned them, but that they are capable of doing hard things.

We thank New York Road Runners for their continued partnership and support of CityTrack and Little Feet. We look forward to continuing to help our students grow, challenge themselves, and discover the joy of movement and achievement.