New York – September 23, 2026 -- Best Buddies International expects to raise $4 million for programs supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through its 2026 Best Buddies Challenge: New York, set for October 3.
Chris Froome and Alberto Contador will lead 750 riders, runners and walkers at the second annual New York event.
The two Tour de France champions will pace hundreds of cyclists from a New York City starting line on the flagship 100-mile route, which crosses the George Washington Bridge and continues through the Hudson River Valley to Bear Mountain State Park. Riders then pass through Harriman State Park before finishing at Glenmere Mansion in the Ramapo Mountains. Shorter 72-mile and 33-mile routes are also offered, alongside run and walk options open to participants of all ages and abilities.
Jersey Mike's Subs and Wells Fargo return as presenting sponsors for the second consecutive year.
Additional backers span multiple sponsorship tiers: Central Park sponsors include BODYARMOR, fairlife, Klingman & Associates and The Coca-Cola Company; Hudson Valley sponsors include Citadel, The Charles A. Mastronardi Foundation, Volvo Car USA and The Farmer's Dog; and Glenmere sponsors include BNY Mellon, Citco, Liberty Beverages Coca-Cola, UBS and WMC Health. Pinarello serves as the event's official bike sponsor.
The Challenge opens Friday, October 2, with a welcome reception at the Rainbow Room in New York City.
Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Best Buddies International, said the organization aims to build on the momentum generated by last year's inaugural New York edition.