New York City’s running community is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Nnenna Lynch is now the Chair of the New York Road Runners (NYRR) Board of Directors. She is the first woman and first Black person to lead the organization in its 65-year history. Lynch, a former elite athlete and successful entrepreneur, is focused on a powerful mission. She aims to make running accessible for every New Yorker.
NYRR Community Programs See Major Growth Under Lynch’s Leadership
Nnenna Lynch is not focused on being a symbolic “first.” Instead, she is dedicated to concrete action. She has served on the NYRR board since 2014. During that time, she has consistently pushed for expanding community programs. Her goal is to bring the transformative power of running to more people.
“From the moment I joined the board, a priority of mine has been to expand the reach of our community programs,” Lynch says. She firmly believes that “running has the power to transform lives and communities.” This philosophy drives the organization’s strategy. They aim to make running inclusive for all ages and fitness levels.
A Champion’s Background Informs a New Vision for Running
Lynch’s passion for running is deeply personal. She started running at just 10 years old. She became a professional middle-distance runner and won five NCAA titles at Villanova. This elite background gives her a unique perspective. She understands the sport from the ground up.
“Running taught me how to persevere through discomfort—not just physical pain, but uncertainty, doubt, and the long stretches when progress feels invisible,” she explains. This mindset has guided her through diverse careers. These include roles at Goldman Sachs, city government, and now running her own real estate firm. She sees running as the ultimate teacher in resilience.
Building on a Legacy of Inclusion in New York Road Runners
Lynch is quick to highlight that NYRR has a strong foundation in inclusion. The organization’s founding president, Ted Corbitt, was a Black marathon pioneer. NYRR created the first women’s-only race in 1972. Today, women lead at every level of the organization.
“New York Road Runners has a phenomenal foundation when it comes to inclusion,” Lynch states. “Simply put, it’s a part of our DNA.” However, she knows that legacy alone is not enough. Her vision is for NYC to be the global leader in running, health, and fitness. This means intentionally reaching new communities.
Ambitious Goals for Youth Running Programs in NYC
The current numbers are impressive but reveal room for growth. NYRR’s youth program now reaches 100,000 kids across the city. However, there are over 800,000 students in NYC public schools. Many lack access to sports; only about 20% of public schools have a track team.
Lynch has a bold vision to close this gap. “My vision would be to see every child in New York City have the opportunity to run and for every school to have a run club,” she says. Achieving this will require innovative thinking and significant philanthropic support. It is a central goal of her leadership.
Running as a Collective Force for Community Health
Ultimately, Lynch sees running as a powerful, communal activity. She believes every runner’s journey is supported by a network of people. This includes coaches, teammates, family, and friends. She leads with the same collaborative spirit.
“In a time of immense sociopolitical unrest, not to mention public health crises, running is the singular activity that has the potential to tend to our hearts, minds and, yes, even our souls at scale,” Lynch says. For her, this is not an idealistic dream. It is a practical goal based on a lifetime of seeing running change lives for the better.
