The energy of Broadway hit the pavement of New York City’s Governors Island as stars, fans and supporters alike laced up for the fourth annual NYCRUNS Spring Fling 5K, running and walking in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

More than 1,300 participants gathered March 28, 2026, including 66 dedicated fundraisers who powered a show-stopping $95,227 raised for Broadway Cares.

The course offered sweeping views of New York Harbor, with the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge creating a backdrop worthy of a standing ovation. Fueled by the participants’ fundraising, nutritious meals, lifesaving medication and essential health care are reaching individuals in need across New York City and nationwide.

“The NYCRUNS Spring Fling 5K is a powerful reminder of what this community can do together,” said Danny Whitman, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “Every mile walked and run today carries real meaning, fueling tangible support for millions across the country. We’re so grateful to everyone who showed up and made an impact.”

Emily Larger, a cast member on the national tour of Beauty and the Beast, led all individual fundraisers with $3,000. Close behind were tour stage manager Andrew Bacigalupo with $2,515; swing Ellen Roberts with $1,630; and Harry Francis, who plays LeFou, with $1,525. Broadway Cares development fellow Eddie Olmo II rounded out the top fundraisers, bringing in $1,325.

The Beauty and the Beast tour was the top fundraising team. Runners-up included teams from Broadway’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a collective of Broadway assistants and coordinators, Broadway Cares affiliate Broadway Serves and the national tour of Spamalot.

Other teams included Hadestown; the national tours of Kimberly Akimbo, Six and Suffs; Off-Broadway’s Little Shop of Horrors and The Office! A Musical Parody; run club Dancers Who Run partnering with The Broadway Esthetician; and Oklahoma City University’s New York City alumni group. The fundraisers featured theater fans, actors, stage managers and more.

Cast and crew from Beauty and the Beast, Kimberly Akimbo, Six, Spamalot and Suffs joined the race virtually while on tour.

NYCRUNS Spring Fling 5K was generously sponsored by Cigna and KPMG. The Spring Fling is part of Broadway Cares’ Broadway Runs series of events that unite the theater running community.

Photos by Carlos Sanfer