A record-setting 2026 Mastercard New York Mini 10K
The annual NYRR Mini 10K race unites women of all ages and fitness levels
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- The New York Road Runners (NYRR) hosted the largest Mastercard New York Mini 10K in event history on Saturday, with 10,084 women crossing the finish line in Central Park, marking the first time the race has surpassed 10,000 finishers.
Founded in 1972 as the world's first women-only road race with just 72 finishers, the Mini 10K has grown into a powerful celebration of women's running and community. Over the past five decades, more than a quarter million women have completed the event.
This year's race featured a world-class professional field, including 10 Olympians and Paralympians, nine global medalists, and national record holders representing 11 countries.
Kenya's Agnes Ngetich delivered a dominant performance in her Mini 10K debut, winning the open division in 30:07. The time set a new course record and stands as the fastest women's 10K ever run on U.S. soil. Ngetich led from the opening mile and never relinquished control, finishing 46 seconds ahead of the field.
Ethiopian Olympian Tsigie Gebreselama placed second in 30:53, while defending NYC Marathon and United Airlines NYC Half champion Hellen Obiri finished third in 31:10.
American Emily Venters had a breakthrough race on her 27th birthday, finishing fourth in a personal best 31:36 to lead five Americans in the top 10. Other top U.S. finishers included Ednah Kurgat (6th), Jess McClain (8th), Annie Rodenfels, and Annie Frisbie.
Slovenian Olympian Klara Lukan placed fifth in 31:38 in her first U.S. race. Three of the top five finishers, including Ngetich, Gebreselama, and Lukan, were making their Mini 10K debuts.
"I want to do this race again and again," Ngetich said after her win. "It's already my favorite race. I loved the crowd and the energy. It was so fun, I felt like I could have run even farther."
The race was streamed live on ABC 7 New York and across our social platforms.
In the wheelchair division, Tatyana McFadden captured her first Mini 10K title, finishing in 22:50. The 22-time U.S. Paralympic medalist becomes the first new champion since the division was introduced in 2018.
She was followed by fellow American Hannah Dederick (25:24) and Egypt's Hoda Elshorbagy (25:44), who earned her first podium finish at an NYRR event.
"It's a fast but challenging course," McFadden said. "Today was a great day to celebrate women's racing, with incredible support from the crowds."
Among the thousands of participants were more than 70 "Crazylegs" - a nickname for runners who have completed the race at least 15 times, in tribute to its original name, the Crazylegs Mini Marathon.
The event also welcomed more than 40 alumnae of NYRR's Run for the Future program, a free initiative that introduces high school girls to running while emphasizing fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. Now in its 15th year, the program continues to inspire lifelong connections to the sport.
The event also included the Girls Run, celebrating its 10th anniversary with 595 participants ages 8-18, the largest turnout in its history. The races began at the same line as the professional and adult runners, offering young athletes a chance to follow in their footsteps.
The Girls Run is part of NYRR's broader youth initiative, which serves more than 200,000 students nationwide, including 100,000 in New York City.
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