Mayor Mamdani and NYRR Host 2K for 2-K Event to Promote Free Child Care Seats for NYC Two-Year-Olds

More than 1,000 runners joined Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York Road Runners at Fort Tryon Park for the 2K for 2-K event, promoting New York City’s new free 2-K child care program before the June 26 application deadline.

NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York Road Runners hosted the city’s 2K for 2-K event at Fort Tryon Park on June 7, bringing together more than 1,000 runners and families to promote New York City’s first-ever 2-K program. The event was designed to encourage parents to apply for free child care seats for two-year-olds before the June 26 deadline.

The free family event included a 2-kilometer run and walk, youth dashes, family activities, and on-site enrollment specialists. According to City Hall, the new 2-K program will provide free child care seats for 2,000 two-year-olds this fall, with the goal of helping working families facing high child care costs and long waitlists.

“New York City’s two-year olds are the real winners of today’s race,” Mayor Mamdani said, emphasizing that applications are now open for free, full-day, full-year 2-K. He said the program is intended to give children a “running start” while reducing pressure on parents trying to find affordable care.

New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer said the event brought together movement, community, and family connection. NYRR, best known for organizing the TCS New York City Marathon, also runs youth and community programs throughout the year, including Rising New York Road Runners. City Hall said NYRR serves 200,000 students nationwide through its youth running programs, including 100,000 in New York City.

Families can apply for 2-K seats in School Districts 6, 10, 18, 23, and 27 until June 26, 2026. Offers are expected to be released in August. Applications can be submitted through MySchools, by calling 718-935-2009, or by visiting a City Family Welcome Center.

The 2K for 2-K event is part of the Mamdani administration’s larger push to address New York City’s child care affordability crisis. City Hall said the administration previously launched a 2-K request for information in February and announced in April that most 2-K seats would operate on a full-day and full-year schedule.

For parents in eligible districts, the main takeaway is simple: the race is over, but the application deadline is not. Families interested in free 2-K seats have until June 26 to apply.

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