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Team New Balance star Gabby Thomas will be special guest at TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony, NYRR Night of Champions, and on the NYRR Set the Pace podcast on the Citizens Stage

New York, October 10, 2024 – New York Road Runners (NYRR) has announced that five-time Olympic medalist and New Balance athlete Gabby Thomas will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. The TCS New York City Marathon, taking place Sunday, November 3, is the BEST DAY in New York City, and one of 60 adult and youth events produced annually by the nonprofit.

“We are so excited to have such an accomplished and inspirational athlete as Gabby serve as our 2024 Grand Marshal,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO, New York Road Runners. “Part of what makes the TCS New York City Marathon the best day in New York City is the opportunity to bring together elite runners with thousands of runners and millions of fans, all on the same course.”

The 2024 TCS New York City Marathon will draw more than 50,000 runners from around the world and two million spectators to the iconic five-borough course as one of the most inclusive and accessible sporting events in the world.

“I am thrilled to serve as the Grand Marshal for this year’s TCS New York City Marathon, supporting more than 50,000 runners as they cross the finish line,” Thomas said. “I was so fortunate to experience the feeling of having thousands of people cheer for me this summer, and I can’t wait to be the one cheering on these incredible runners as they achieve a major goal”

Thomas, who won three gold medals during the Paris 2024 Olympics in the 200 meters, 4×400-meter relay, and 4×100-meter relay, will join the TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony; will welcome runners to the start line on the Verrazano Bridge race morning; appear on the Citizens Stage at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo for a live recording of NYRR’s Set the Pace podcast; and greet winners as they cross the illustrious Central Park finish line. She will also be a special guest at the nonprofit’s NYRR Night of Champions to support New York Road Runners’ commitment to transforming the health and well-being of New York City communities through free and inclusive running experiences.

In addition to her achievements on the track, Thomas holds a degree in neurobiology and global health from Harvard University and is an advocate for diversity in STEM fields. She supports underserved communities and uses her platform to encourage young people, especially young women of color, to pursue careers in science and technology.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR) 

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 New Yorkers annually through its 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.