Youth Jamboree Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this a one-time event or an ongoing program?
The Youth Jamboree is our general outreach one-day event that happens 3 or 4 times a year. We have ongoing programs throughout the year which are site-based (schools and community centers). To learn about them, visit Mighty Milers and Young Runners. We also have a program for individual children called City Sports for Kids. For more information about City Sports for Kids, click here.

2. Do youth participants have to be a part of a team to register?
No. The Jamboree is open to any children ages 4 – 15.

3. How do I register?  
Pre-Registration
You can register by filling out the forms provided on our website. Please complete the registration form completely and legibly as full and accurate information is critical to the success of our event. Please be sure to fill out one registration form for each youth participant and fill out the checklist form each time you send in a registration form(s). Once completed, you can scan the forms and email them to jamboree@nyrr.org, fax them to 917.677.8939, or mail by the pre-registration deadline to the following address:
 
New York Road Runners Youth Programs
Attn: Youth Jamboree
845 Third Avenue
11th Floor
New York, NY 10022

After sending in the forms, we advise you to to email jamboree@nyrr.org or call 646.758.9675 with the full name and school/team of all youth participants to confirm that we have received them. Please bring copies of all registration forms to the Jamboree.
Day-of Registration
We will have forms available at the registration table on the day of the Jamboree that can be filled out there. For teams, coaches’ signatures are not accepted; therefore, teams must have all forms filled out with parent/guardian signature prior to coming to the registration table.
If you come to the pre-registration table and also need to submit new registration forms that day, you will be re-directed to a separate table. This will help ensure a smoother flow in the registration lines.

4. What time does registration open that day?
Registration opens at 7:45 a.m.

5. What time should we arrive to the Jamboree?
If you pre-register, a packet will be ready for your child(ren)/team with all pre-printed event labels and information, which will expedite the registration process. If you register that day, the process will take longer, especially for teams. Use your own discretion in planning, but we advise you to arrive at least an hour before your first event.

6.  Is this an indoor or outdoor event?
The Armory is an indoor space. Icahn Stadium is outdoors. Please come prepared for any kind of weather at Icahn Stadium – cold, hot, or rainy.

7.  How do I get to the Armory / Icahn Stadium?
For directions to the Armory, click here.

For directions to Icahn Stadium, click here.

8.  Is there parking available at these venues?
Armory
Street parking adjacent to the Armory is difficult to find and may require feeding a meter. A good option is Riverside Drive just south of 165th Street.  The closest private paid parking lot is at 165th Street and Fort Washington Avenue. Unfortunately, we do not provide reimbursement for parking.

Icahn Stadium
There is a parking lot right outside Icahn Stadium where you can park for free.

9. Is there an admission fee for the Jamboree?
Jamborees that take place at The Armory and Icahn Stadium are free for both adults and kids.

10.  Do youth participants have to wear anything specific?
Youth participants should wear something comfortable to run in – shorts/sweatpants, t-shirts, and sneakers. They will be provided a t-shirt at registration which they can wear that day, but keep in mind sizes are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

11.  May I pick up t-shirts for all my participants?
No. New York Road Runners has enacted a new policy for t-shirt distribution at the Jamboree.  Participating children only should go to the designated t-shirt area to individually pick up their free t-shirt and receive a hand stamp confirming that they have done so. Please direct all other children who are not participating to seating in the stands. If there is a long line for t-shirts, children can come back later. Adults are no longer allowed to pick up t-shirts for the participants.

12.  Are spikes allowed?
No, spikes are not allowed at Jamborees.
 
13.  Are youth participants allowed to run in bare feet?
No, youth participants must wear sneakers to participate.
 
14.  Will all youth participants receive a free t-shirt?
Yes, t-shirts are distributed to all youth participants. If we run out of t-shirts before the end of the day, the registration table will issue a “rain check” form to fill out in order to receive t-shirts in the mail at a later date.
 
15.  Will youth participants receive an award?
Upon completion of their race or field event, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers will receive ribbons corresponding to their place. All other finishers will receive “participant” ribbons.

16.  How do youth participants qualify for the 800 Meter Invitational Run for 10 - 12 year olds?
There is no qualifying event prior to the Jamboree and no requirement of documented proof for the 800 meter. The 800 Meter Invitational is a showcase for talented mid-distance runners and we ask that only athletes who can reasonably expect to finish by the set times (2:35 for boys and 2:45 for girls) register for the race.

17.  Does the relay count as an event?
Yes, it counts as one of the two allowed events.

18.  Can youth participants run a relay without 4 runners?
No, all relays must have 4 runners. However, youth participants may be able to find other children at the Jamboree to be in their relay and sign up that day at the registration table. All children will need to use one of their two event labels to participate in the relays.

19.  Can different age groups run on the same relay team?
Yes, the relay team will compete in the age group of the oldest member.

20.  Can different genders run on the same relay team?
Yes, the relay team will compete in the boys division.

21.  Is there food at the Armory/Icahn Stadium?
The Armory and Icahn Stadium both have concession stands. The Armory does not allow outside food to be brought in.

22.  Are attendees allowed to bring hard coolers to keep water bottles cool?
No hard coolers will be permitted in the stadium, but you may bring soft coolers.

23.  Are attendees allowed to sell candy at the Jamboree?
Candy sales are NOT permitted at the Jamboree.

24.  Can I find out at the Jamboree about running teams that my child can participate in?
You can learn more about our site-based programs, Mighty Milers and Young Runners, and City Sports for Kids at the Jamboree. There are usually also a number of private running clubs present. You may be able to talk to them there about joining.
 

Is your question not answered here? For more information, email jamboree@nyrr.org or call 646.758.9675