January 9, 2026 – New York, NY — Game Changers, a nationwide initiative dedicated to empowering Women of Color in the running industry, today announced its ongoing partnership with New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City producing 60 annual adult and youth races including the TCS New York City Marathon. This collaboration includes a Game Changers program specific to New York City focused on advancing coaching expertise, leadership opportunities, and community impact in running.
The program is open to New York City residents only (residing in the 5 boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens & Staten Island) who have been running for at least two years.
Building on the success of previous cohorts, including a dedicated New York City group launched in partnership with New York Road Runners in 2025, the 2026 Game Changers program, running through August 2026, will include the following for selected participants:
• RRCA Certification: Provide full funding for Road Runners Club of America Level 1 Run Coach Certification.
• Business Strategy: Include business development training tailored to running industry careers
• Mentorship: Offer a mentorship component, pairing participants with experienced certified coaches
• Paid Apprenticeship with NYRR: As part of the mentorship phase, each NYC Game Changer will participate in a paid apprenticeship with New York Road Runners. This hands-on opportunity allows participants to work as coaches in the nonprofit’s Group Training program that offers coached workout sessions for runners of all levels in parks across the city.
To apply for the 2026 NYC cohort, apply here until January 25.
To learn more, register here for the Game Changers Q&A on January 15.
“Year one proved what’s possible when we invest in Women of Color leaders with intention. Seeing our Game Changers thrive in partnership with New York Road Runners has been incredible. This second year, we’re building on that momentum —creating more opportunitiesfor leadership, visibility, and excellence while empowering even more Women of Color to claim their space with confidence and community behind them,” said Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell, Founder of Game Changers.
“Our partnership with Game Changers underscores New York Road Runners’ commitment to fostering an inclusive and representative running community,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. “Coming off the success of our first year, we’re excited to expand coaching and mentorship opportunities that empower more diverse voices to lead, inspire, and shape the future of our sport, while strengthening communities across the five boroughs through the transformative power of running.”
In 2025, an inaugural NYC cohort was welcomed as part of this strategic effort to grow representation in coaching. Coach Dawn Papacena from Brooklyn, NY, shared: “The Game Changers program changed my life. It helped me connect with so many amazing women in the run community, it helped me build confidence in my own abilities to coach (and run!), it helped me reimagine inclusivity in the run community and how I can be a catalyst in building this.”
For more information about the Game Changers program, follow us on Instagram @GameChangersRun.
About VCPM, Inc. and Game Changers
VCPM, Inc. is dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity within the running industry through innovative programs, education, and community-focused initiatives. Its Game Changers program specifically supports Women of Color pursuing leadership and coaching pathways in the sport to redefine who is seen as an expert and leader in the run industry.
About New York Road Runners
A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running – serving nearly a half a million people annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 50,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.