Every October, New York City turns pink. Thousands of survivors, supporters, caregivers, and first-time participants lace up their shoes and take to the streets, parks, and bridges of New York in support of one shared goal: ending breast cancer. Whether you are walking to honor a loved one, fundraising for research, or simply joining a community that cares, 2026 brings several powerful opportunities to get involved.
This guide walks you through every major breast cancer walk event in New York City in 2026, including how to register, what to expect, and how to make the most of each one.
Why Walking Matters: The Impact of NYC Events
New York City is home to some of the most attended breast cancer fundraising events in the entire country. Thousands of participants show up each year, raising millions of dollars that fund research, patient support services, treatment access, and community education.
Every 12 minutes, a woman in the United States dies from breast cancer. In New York alone, tens of thousands of women receive a diagnosis each year. Experts estimate that one-third of breast cancer deaths in the US could be prevented with universal access to modern treatments. That is what every registration fee and fundraising dollar works toward.
Additionally, these events are more than walks. They are community gatherings that celebrate survivors, honor those no longer with us, and connect people who understand the weight of a diagnosis firsthand.
All NYC Breast Cancer Walk Events in 2026
Here is a complete overview of confirmed breast cancer walk events happening in and around New York City in 2026.
| Event | Date | Location | Distance | Registration Website |
| Run for Breast Cancer NYC | April 4, 2026 | Hudson River Trails, NYC | 5K, 10K, 13.1 miles, 1-mile fun run | runsignup.com |
| Run for Breast Cancer NYC | June 6, 2026 | New York City | 5K, 10K, 13.1 miles | findarace.com |
| Run to Breast Cancer NYC | August 29, 2026 | New York City | 5K, 10K, 13.1 miles | findarace.com |
| Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure | October 24, 2026 | Foley Square, Manhattan | 5K walk across Brooklyn Bridge | komen.org/community/new-york |
| Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (Brooklyn) | October 2026 (TBC) | Coney Island Boardwalk, Brooklyn | Non-competitive walk | makingstrideswalk.org/brooklyn |
| Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (Queens) | October 2026 (TBC) | Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens | Non-competitive walk | makingstrideswalk.org/queens |
| Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (Manhattan) | October 2026 (TBC) | Central Park, Manhattan | Non-competitive walk | makingstrideswalk.org |
Note: Making Strides dates for individual boroughs are typically announced in late summer. Check the American Cancer Society website regularly for confirmation of 2026 dates and locations.
How to Register for Each Event
Susan G. Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure
This is the flagship breast cancer walk event of the year for New York City. The 36th annual Race for the Cure takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Foley Square, 111 Worth Street, Manhattan. This year’s route includes a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, making it a particularly memorable edition.
The day runs as follows:
- 8:00 a.m.: On-site registration opens
- 8:30 a.m.: Hope Village Celebration for metastatic breast cancer patients
- 9:00 a.m.: Pathway of Hope and Survivor Parade
- 9:15 a.m.: Opening Ceremony
- 9:30 a.m.: Walk begins
Registration fees are as follows:
| Participant Type | Registration Fee |
| Adult (in-person) | $40 |
| Youth under 18 (in-person) | $30 |
| Virtual Adult | $40 |
| Virtual Youth under 18 | $30 |
To register, visit komen.org/community/new-york and click Register Now. You can sign up as an individual, create a team, or join an existing team such as Pace University’s group, which is traditionally the largest college team at this event.
All registered participants receive an event T-shirt. If you register by September 27, 2026, your shirt arrives by mail before race day. Those who register after that date receive their shirt after the event. No shirts are available for pickup at the venue, so registering early is strongly recommended.
Additionally, participants who register and raise at least $31 between July 6 and July 31, 2026, receive an exclusive pink Komen keychain as a thank-you gift.
Virtual participants can take part from anywhere in the world. You complete the distance on your own terms and still receive your T-shirt and fundraising recognition.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer NYC Walks
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the nation’s largest network of breast cancer walk events, organized by the American Cancer Society. NYC hosts multiple borough-level walks each October, typically held on different weekends so participants can attend more than one.
These walks are non-competitive and free to register. Every participant is encouraged to raise funds, but there is no minimum fundraising requirement to walk. All money raised goes directly to American Cancer Society research and patient services.
Here is how to register for each borough walk:
- Brooklyn: Visit makingstrideswalk.org/brooklyn to register online. The walk takes place on the Coney Island Boardwalk at 1904 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn. It runs from 8:00 a.m. to approximately noon. On-site registration is also available, but online sign-up makes check-in faster on the day.
- Queens: Visit makingstrideswalk.org/queens to register. The walk takes place at Flushing Meadows Corona Park and follows a similar morning schedule.
- Manhattan: The Central Park walk at the Naumburg Bandshell is a beloved annual tradition. Register through the American Cancer Society’s main event page at acsevents.org.
For all Making Strides events, you can participate as an individual, create your own team, or join an existing team. Many schools, hospitals, workplaces, and community organizations form teams each year. Creating a team gives you a dedicated fundraising page and makes it easy to invite friends and family to walk alongside you.
Once registered, download the American Cancer Society FUNdraising app to track your donations, share your page on social media, and set up a Facebook fundraiser linked directly to your walk. You can also raise additional funds through Facebook’s built-in charity tools.
Run for Breast Cancer and Run to Breast Cancer Events
These events offer a more athletic format for those who want to run or walk a measured distance rather than join a non-competitive community walk. Three dates are available in 2026: April 4, June 6, and August 29.
All three events welcome all paces and all ages. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Distance options include a 5K, 10K, and a 13.1-mile half marathon for each event, plus a one-mile family fun run on the April 4 date.
To register, visit runsignup.com for the April event and findarace.com for the June and August events. Waves fill up quickly, so early registration is important. If a wave is sold out, you can join a virtual run option or a waitlist.
Every registered participant receives a swag bag that includes a running T-shirt, a finisher’s medal, and additional gifts. Timing chips are not provided at these events, so personal apps or GPS watches work best for tracking your time. The focus is on atmosphere, purpose, and community rather than competitive timing.
Tips for First-Time Participants
Walking for the first time at one of these events is a genuinely moving experience. A few simple steps will help you get the most out of your day.
- Register online early for every event. Prices often rise closer to the date, and popular waves sell out ahead of schedule.
- Start fundraising as soon as you register. The longer your fundraising page is live, the more time friends and family have to donate.
- Join or create a team. Walking with others gives you motivation and makes the fundraising effort feel shared.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Even a 5K covers over three miles on your feet, and some walks pass the four-hour mark for larger community events.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a phone charger. October in New York is often mild, but conditions on open courses near the Hudson River or in Central Park can change.
- Check the weather the morning of the event. Making Strides walks take place rain or shine, so dress in layers if the forecast is uncertain.
- Arrive early. On-site check-in queues can be long at large community events, and arriving before the scheduled start time gives you a chance to connect with other participants before the walk begins.
How to Create a Fundraising Page
Every major walk event gives you a personal fundraising page the moment you register. To make it effective, follow these steps.
First, personalize your page with your own story. Explaining why you walk, who you walk for, and what breast cancer means to you makes people far more likely to donate than a generic page. Second, set a fundraising goal that feels achievable but stretches you slightly. Donors respond well to goals that are close to being met. Third, share your page on every platform you use, including email, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Most donations come from people who already know you and simply need to be asked directly.
Additionally, for Making Strides events, setting up a Facebook fundraiser linked to your ACS page is one of the fastest ways to raise money. Facebook users can donate without leaving the platform, which removes friction and increases conversions.
Conclusion
New York City offers multiple confirmed opportunities to participate in breast cancer walks in 2026. The Susan G. Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure on October 24 at Foley Square, with its historic route across the Brooklyn Bridge, is the year’s headline event. Registration costs $40 for adults and $30 for youth, with shirts mailed to those who register by September 27.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer offers free, non-competitive walks in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan each October through the American Cancer Society, with registration available at makingstrideswalk.org. For those who prefer a timed running format, three Run for Breast Cancer events take place on April 4, June 6, and August 29. Therefore, no matter your fitness level, schedule, or budget, there is a way to participate in New York City’s breast cancer movement this year. Register early, fundraise actively, and show up ready to walk for the people who need you most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are NYC breast cancer walks free to enter?
It depends on the event. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks are free to register and open to everyone, though participants are encouraged to fundraise. The Susan G. Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure charges a registration fee of $40 for adults and $30 for youth under 18. The Run for Breast Cancer events also charge entry fees that vary by distance.
Can I participate virtually if I cannot attend in person?
Yes. Both the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the Run for Breast Cancer events offer virtual participation options. Virtual participants complete the distance on their own schedule and in their own location. They receive the same registration benefits, including a T-shirt, and their fundraising contributions count fully toward event totals.
How do I set up a fundraising page for a NYC breast cancer walk?
Registration for any of these events automatically creates a personal fundraising page. For Making Strides events, your page is hosted on the American Cancer Society’s platform at acsevents.org. For the Komen Race for the Cure, it is hosted at komen.org. Simply log in, customize your page with your personal story, set a goal, and share the link with your network.
Can children participate in NYC breast cancer walks?
Yes. All events welcome participants of all ages. Children under 18 at the Run for Breast Cancer and Run to Breast Cancer events must be accompanied by a guardian. The Making Strides walks are non-competitive community events that welcome families, strollers, and dogs on leashes. The Komen Race for the Cure offers a youth registration tier at $30.
When should I register to get the best price and benefits?
As early as possible. For the Komen Race for the Cure, registering by September 27, 2026, ensures your event T-shirt arrives by mail before race day. For the Run for Breast Cancer series, early registration secures the lowest wave pricing and the best chance of getting your preferred distance before a wave sells out. And for Making Strides events, online pre-registration speeds up your check-in on the day and starts your fundraising page running sooner.
