Each November, over 50,000 runners cross the finish line at the TCS New York City Marathon. For many, it's the culmination of months of training — and the beginning of a long walk through Central Park in chilly fall weather.
Since 2014, Stran has supported New York Road Runners (NYRR) by producing 65,000+ custom ponchos that wrap finishers in warmth, recognition, and relief.
Before the poncho program was introduced, NYRR faced a significant logistical hurdle: runners needed warm, dry layers after the race, but carrying gear wasn’t feasible.
NYRR collected bags of clothing at the starting line and transported them to the finish — a well-intentioned but a complex, resource-intensive process that was often chaotic and frustrating for both organizers and participants.
Stran partnered with NYRR to develop a custom poncho from the ground up. The ponchos were designed not just as a generic rain layer, but a purpose-built garment made for post-marathon recovery.
Key features included:
Engineered with warmth-retaining materials and thoughtful construction, the poncho eliminated the need for personal gear drop-offs, streamlining logistics and enhancing the runner experience.
Unlike standard promo gear, this piece was designed from scratch and has evolved year after year with continuous technical improvements. It’s more than merch; it’s a performance product tailored to the needs of 50,000+ athletes in a high-stakes moment.
