Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani joined more than 1,000 runners at Fort Tryon Park on June 7 for the “2K for 2-K” event, a 2-kilometer community race co-organized with New York Road Runners (NYRR) to promote the city’s first-ever 2-K program, which will provide free child care seats for 2,000 two-year-olds starting this fall.
The free family event featured on-site enrollment specialists, youth dashes, and activities for children of all ages. Applications for 2-K seats are currently open for families in School Districts 6, 10, 18, 23, and 27, with a deadline of June 26 and offers to be released in August. Families can apply through MySchools, by calling 718-935-2009, or by visiting one of the city’s Family Welcome Centers.
“New York City’s two-year olds are the real winners of today’s race, because applications are now open for families to access free, full-day, full-year 2-K,” Mamdani said at the event. “For too long, working families have had to run circles to navigate impossible costs and endless waitlists just to find child care. We’re changing that. With 2-K, families can rest assured that their kids will get the running start they deserve.”
Mamdani has moved quickly on 2-K since taking office. He and Governor Hochul announced the launch eight days after Mamdani was sworn in. In February, the administration issued a formal request for information on the 2-K and 3-K programs. In April, Mamdani announced that most 2-K seats would operate on a full-day and full-year schedule, unlike many publicly funded early childhood programs. The administration also announced a partnership with Bronx-born rapper Cardi B to run a 2-K jingle contest, with the winning entry expected to be announced later this month.
Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, said the race was part of NYRR’s year-round mission to build accessible community running opportunities. “Today’s 2K for 2-K event combined movement, community, and connection, reminding New Yorkers of all ages that it’s never too early to take that first step and experience the transformative power of running,” Simmelkjaer said. “We’re proud to partner with the City of New York throughout the year to create accessible, inclusive opportunities for families to be active, connect, and build lifelong healthy habits together.” NYRR produces 60 adult and youth races annually, including the TCS New York City Marathon, and its youth programming reaches 200,000 students nationwide, including 100,000 in New York City.
Featured image: Courtesy events.nyrr.org
