New York, June 12, 2025 – New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City producing 60 annual adult and youth races including the TCS New York City Marathon, today hosted a special screening of its first-ever documentary short film, “Final Finishers,” during the 2025 Tribeca Festival.

Attendees at the red carpet event included New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer, two-time Emmy Award-winning director Rudy Valdez, executive producers Berry Welsh and Jacqui Moore, and cast members Martinus Evans, Janelle Hartman, Michael Ring, and Latoya Snell.

The screening was followed by an afterparty presented by New York Road Runners Foundation Partner New Balance. Among the guests were New Balance executives Melissa Worth and Tom Carleo; Olympic medalist and former TCS New York City Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi; Olympians Beverly Ramos, Conner Mantz, and Clayton Young; and producer and host of MTV’s “Catfish” Nev Schulman, who is also an eight-time TCS New York City Marathon finisher.

Co-produced by New York Road Runners’ new content studio, East 89^th St Productions—which is dedicated to creating original content that aligns with New York Road Runners’ vision of building healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running—and Tribeca Studios—the original content division of Tribeca Enterprises—the 30-minute documentary celebrates the unsung heroes at the back of the pack during races, including the TCS New York City Marathon, against the electrifying backdrop of New York City.

"A huge part of our mission is telling the stories of people like the folks in 'Final Finishers' who overcome incredible odds to finish something like the TCS New York City Marathon," says Simmelkjaer. "By telling that story we are inspiring so many people ... to look in the mirror and see that they can be a runner and that's really what [New York Road Runners is] all about."

“It’s been wonderful working with New York Road Runners and Tribeca Studios on ‘Final Finishers’ because this project was always about heart and stories and journeys,” says Valdez. “This film shows you that if there’s anything you want in life, even if you don’t want to be a runner, if there’s something that people are saying you probably shouldn’t do or can’t do, but in your heart you know you can, just watch this movie, get up the next day, and do that thing.”

You can watch the “Final Finishers” trailer HERE. All media assets, including additional red carpet photos, interviews, and broll, and still images from “Final Finishers” can be found HERE.

“FINAL FINISHERS” SYNOPSIS

Against the electrifying backdrop of New York City, “Final Finishers” celebrates the unsung heroes at the back of the pack during races. Hours after the elites have crossed the finish line, the film finds its heart in the stories of the final finishers—those who persist long after dark, cheered on by a community that refuses to leave anyone behind. This shared support creates a profound sense of belonging, turning the marathon into more than a race—it becomes a space where every runner is seen, valued, and embraced. 

“Final Finishers” challenges conventional notions of athletic achievement, emphasizing that every pace has a place and that the courage to show up and persist is worthy of recognition. It’s a moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit, triumph over adversity, the power of community, and the strength found in showing up, no matter how long it takes.

CREDITS

• Director: Rudy Valdez
• Executive Producers: Berry Welsh, Jacqui Moore, Rudy Valdez
• Co-Executive Producers: Keelin Ryan, Matthew Singer
• Producer: Meghan Schale
• Editor: Claire Ave'Lallemant
• Cinematographer: Rudy Valdez
• Original Music: Jongnic Bontemps
• Co-Producer: Peter Kirk
• Cast: Hannah Gavios, Janelle Hartman, Martinus Evans, Michael Ring

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About New York Road Runners (NYRR) 

A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running – serving nearly a half a million people annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 50,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.