Shokz Returns as the Official Headphones Partner of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 5-Boro Course

Race Week experiences, community collaborations, and limited-edition headphones connect Shokz with runners across New York City

NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Shokz, a pioneer in open-ear audio technology, today announced its return for the second consecutive year as the Official Headphones Partner of the TCS New York City Marathon. As New York Road Runners, the nonprofit producer of the TCS New York City Marathon, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the marathon's iconic 5-boro course, the partnership brings together a shared commitment to helping runners stay connected to every block, every cheer, and every person through open-ear technology.

"As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the New York City Marathon's historic 5-boro course, we're thrilled to welcome Shokz back as the Official Headphones Partner," said Christine Burke, Chief Commercial Officer at New York Road Runners. "From innovative products that help runners stay connected to their surroundings to engaging experiences throughout race week, Shokz shares New York Road Runners' commitment to enhancing the runner experience and celebrating the energy, community, and inspiration that make marathon week so special."

Race Week Collaborations and Experiences

Throughout race week, Shokz will partner with brands and local businesses on experiences designed to engage runners and the broader New York City community.

To bring some extra sweetness and local flavor to race week, Shokz is teaming up with iconic NYC dessert shop Glace for a special collaboration, treating runners and New Yorkers to their choice of the shop's famous Classic S'mores Hot Chocolate or seasonal Spiced Apple Cider. From October 29–31, complimentary drink vouchers will be distributed at Shokz's TCS New York City Marathon Expo booth and through participating run club events, while supplies last. Runners can redeem vouchers at Glace's Upper East Side shop through November 2. During the five-day activation, Glace will also hand out a limited number of complimentary drinks courtesy of Shokz, alongside a few surprises and special co-branded touches in-store.

Shokz will also help runners stay connected to the people cheering them on through Rally's Marathon Race Voice App. Friends and family can record messages of encouragement for runners to hear throughout the race, bringing familiar voices with them across the five boroughs for an extra boost of support, confidence, and motivation.

Limited-Edition TCS New York City Marathon Headphones

For this year's race, Shokz is introducing the OpenRun Pro 2 TCS New York City Marathon Co-Branded Edition. Featuring a distinctive deep blue and gold colorway, the limited-edition headphones commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 5-boro course, with the iconic route illustrated on the gift box and headphone case. Built on the same performance technology as OpenRun Pro 2, they deliver premium sound quality, up to 12 hours of listening time, and an open-ear design that helps runners stay aware of their surroundings throughout training and race day.

The OpenRun Pro 2 TCS New York City Marathon Co-Branded Edition is available now at Shokz.com for $199.95 USD / $249.95 CAD. The headphones will also be available for purchase at Shokz booth #401 during the TCS New York City Marathon Expo from October 29–31.

Shokz Athletes Take Part in Race Week

Shokz will bring some of its elite athletes closer to runners and fans with special appearances and events throughout race week. After returning to racing following an injury, American men's marathon record holder Conner Mantz will race his first marathon since setting the American record in Chicago last year.

On October 29, Mantz will join host Becs Gentry for "Hear the City" on the Marathon Expo's Citizens Stage from 2–3 p.m. The conversation will explore his journey to the start line, his approach to the New York City course, and how he balances drawing strength from the crowds with staying attuned to his own rhythm.

On October 30, defending TCS New York City Marathon champion and event record holder Hellen Obiri will take part in a Shokz-hosted invite-only event at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub from 2–4 p.m., including a fireside conversation and live Q&A, product demos, and a 2.5K coach-led shakeout run.

For more information on Shokz's TCS New York City Marathon race week programming, including group runs and run club events, follow Shokz on Instagram for the latest updates.

About Shokz
Shokz, recognized as the World's No. 1 Open-Ear Headphones Brand by Omdia, is dedicated to advancing open-ear audio technology and inspiring users to #beopen. With a focus on innovation, quality, and user experience, Shokz continues to lead the market by providing cutting-edge solutions for everyday audio. Learn more about the brand at www.Shokz.com.

SOURCE SHOKZ