Believe in Every Step: Championing Women Athletes Across Generations

Join New York Road Runners at Volvo Cars Manhattan as we bring together and uplift the women’s running community ahead of the 54th running of this historic women's road race!

This event will kick off with a panel moderated by New York Road Runners Board Chair and former professional runner Nnenna Lynch in conversation with:

• Kathrine Switzer, co-founder of the New York Mini 10K and Board Chair of 261 Fearless
• Viola Cheptoo, professional athlete and founder of Tirop’s Angels
• Lynn Blackstone, women’s running pioneer, one of the "Six Who Sat," and participant in the first New York Mini 10K
• Safiatu Diagana, NYRR Run for the Future alumna and nurse participating in the 2026 Mastercard New York Mini 10K

The panel will highlight how far women’s running has come since the first New York Mini 10K in 1972 and the women who have helped shape our sport over the last 50+ years, as well as empower future generations of women athletes by spotlighting those currently shaping the future of our sport.

Following the panel, guests will be able to network and enjoy refreshments, including food and drinks from New York Road Runners partners Shake Shack, Michelob ULTRA, Gatorade, and Culligan.

Mastercard New York Mini 10K race numbers will also be conveniently available for pickup at Volvo Cars Manhattan during the event, from 5:30–8 p.m. Show your race confirmation email or the QR code from your NYRR account to pick up your race materials.

To request reasonable accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please visit our .

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