New York Road Runners Face Ongoing Challenges

The retail director of a successful New Jersey running company since 2019, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano oversees daily operations for three branches. To support her passion for running, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano maintains membership in the New York Road Runners.

The largest non-profit running association in the United States, the New York Road Runners (NYRR) has been deeply impacted by the spread of COVID-19. The NYRR hosts some of the world’s most prestigious races, including the New York City Marathon, the NYC Half, and the Women’s 10K Mini. Since March 2020, NYRR officials have cancelled more than 20 races. The New York City Marathon, scheduled for November, would have represented the race’s 50th anniversary.

In addition to cancelling races, NYRR recently announced it will lay off 11 percent of its workforce and furlough another 28 percent, which amounts to 91 of its total 229 employees. According to the organization, senior leadership will take a 15 percent pay cut. Despite the challenges of in-person events, the NYRR continues to offer a number of virtual training and fitness options through its website at www.nyrr.org.