NEW YORK
ROAD RUNNERS
Told By Thomas Gives the Premier Running Organization a Much-needed Leg-up
Structured media support for the city’s most iconic races, including the New York City Marathon.
When it comes to running, few names carry the prestige, community impact, and cultural resonance of New York Road Runners (NYRR). As the nonprofit behind the iconic TCS New York City Marathon and more than 60 annual races, NYRR is both the beating heart of the city’s running scene and an ambassador for the sport worldwide.
In early 2025, I joined the NYRR communications team with a focus on traditional media relations—crafting messaging, building targeted press lists, pitching stories, and managing media presence at live events. While the role is already producing results, it’s a partnership designed to grow in scope as the racing calendar unfolds, culminating in the marquee event of the year: the TCS New York City Marathon.
In just my first months on the team, I’ve led communications for two of NYRR’s most celebrated races:
The 44th Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run® 4M – A sold-out Central Park event championing LGBTQIA+ runners, allies, and advocates, with high-profile participants including Frankie Grande and Peloton’s Matty Maggiacomo. My advisory emphasized the race’s “Power of Our Community” theme and NYRR’s long-standing inclusivity initiatives, from nonbinary divisions to Safe Space designation by The Stonewall Inn .
The NYRR Team Championships 5M – The largest-ever edition of this event, uniting over 5,100 runners from 284 local clubs. I developed post-event communications that celebrated the growing strength of NYC’s club culture while delivering key stats and storylines to sports and community outlets
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
My Role & Impact
Media-Ready Messaging: I create detailed, reporter-friendly advisories that highlight human-interest angles, competitive results, and cultural significance—helping NYRR stand out in a crowded sports media landscape.
Targeted Media Outreach: From local news desks to national sports writers, I ensure stories land in outlets that resonate with both running enthusiasts and the broader public.
On-Site Media Management: At events, I serve as the on-the-ground point of contact—facilitating interviews, ensuring media get the shots and quotes they need, and reinforcing NYRR’s role as a thought leader in the sport.
What’s Next
With the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon on the horizon, my work with NYRR is only beginning. As we build toward one of the most-watched road races in the world, our strategy will continue to spotlight NYRR’s community impact, commitment to inclusivity, and role as the gold standard in race production.