Four Runners, 26.2 Miles, One Mission: Team NEXT for AUTISM Takes on the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon

In its first year as an Official Charity Partner of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, NEXT for AUTISM brings together runners with personal connections to autism to raise awareness and funds for services supporting autistic adults

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 1, more than 55,000 runners will take to the streets for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, marking the 50th anniversary of the five-boro course. Among them will be four runners with a shared purpose: to help build a future where autistic adults have greater access to the services, support and opportunities they deserve to thrive.

As a first-time Official Charity Partner of the iconic race, NEXT for AUTISM, a leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming services for autistic adults, is introducing the inaugural members of Team NEXT: Eric Caldwell, Holly Fowler, Elizabeth Fox, and Michael Mutino. Each brings a personal connection to autism and a commitment to raising awareness and funds to enhance the lives of autistic adults nationwide.

For the four runners, the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon represents more than a physical challenge. Their collective 104.8 miles will shine a spotlight on an often-overlooked reality: while an estimated 5.4 million autistic adults live in the United States, inclusive opportunities, services, and resources for adults remain significantly limited.

"Every member of Team NEXT has a personal story that reflects why our mission is so important," said Gillian Leek, CEO of NEXT for AUTISM. "Whether they're advocating for a sibling, planning for their child's future or creating new opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, these runners understand the importance of building a world where autistic adults have the support they deserve to live their most fulfilling life. We're proud to have them representing NEXT for AUTISM in our first New York City Marathon."

Meet Team NEXT: Running for a Reason

• Eric Caldwell: A consultant with Version X Solutions, Caldwell was inspired by his autistic sister's employment journey, Caldwell is advocating for greater workplace opportunities for autistic adults. An experienced endurance athlete, he has completed three marathons and an Ironman event.
• Holly Fowler: Inspired by the individuals featured in the acclaimed Netflix series Love on the Spectrum, Fowler founded Wable, a social app helping neurodivergent individuals find dates, friends and jobs.
• Elizabeth Fox: Inspired by her older autistic sister, Fox, a senior consultant at Marsh and lifelong endurance athlete, is running to advocate for greater inclusion and opportunities for autistic adults.
• Michael Mutino: The father of an eight-year-old autistic son and president of Inter Contracting Corp., Mutino is running his first marathon to raise awareness of the need for services and support throughout adulthood.

Through their fundraising efforts, Team NEXT runners are supporting the organization's work to expand innovative programs and services for autistic adults in four critical areas: work, home, social and health.

Since its founding in 2005, NEXT for AUTISM has committed more than $27 million to over 440 projects across 39 states and territories, helping to create and expand opportunities for autistic individuals and their families.

To learn more about Team NEXT or support the runners' fundraising efforts, visit NEXTforAUTISM.org/Marathon 

About NEXT for AUTISM
NEXT for AUTISM transforms the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative programs. We believe that individuals with autism deserve to live fulfilling, productive lives when supported by excellent services and connected to their communities. We continually ask, what's next for autism? Learn more at NEXTforAUTISM.org.

About the New York City Marathon
Initially run in 1970 as four laps of Central Park with 55 finishers, the New York City Marathon left the park and was run through the five boroughs for the first time in 1976 to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial and uplift the city. The landmark move set the standard for the modern marathon event. This year, New York Road Runners is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the five-borough New York City Marathon course, coinciding with the nonprofit's recent rebrand and launch of its new "Believe in Every Step" brand platform. Produced by the world's premier running organization, today the TCS New York City Marathon is consistently the largest marathon in the world, bringing together 55,000+ participants and more than two million spectators for the best day of the year, in the best city in the world.

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 New Yorkers 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 55,000 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. 

Media Contact
Hannah Davis
Zer0 to 5ive, for NEXT for AUTISM
[email protected] 

SOURCE NEXT for AUTISM, Inc