Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk 2026

Walk through Central Park with thousands of people raising money for breast cancer research and patient services.

Making Strides of Central Park, the American Cancer Society's annual breast cancer walk, lets walkers set off any time between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from the Naumburg Bandshell. The event ends at 12:00 PM. It is in its 33rd year in New York, and the proceeds go to the society's breast cancer research and patient services.

The 4-mile route runs along Park Drive, a paved road with some hills. Walk with a team, start your own, or go solo. Nobody is timed or ranked, and leaving the route early is fine.

What to Expect on Walk Day

Walk day includes an opening ceremony for survivors, caregivers, and supporters, a survivor area where survivors and their caregivers can get information about the American Cancer Society's programs and services, and a previvor tent making its first appearance in 2026, stocked with educational material. A DJ plays music at the Bandshell for the length of the event. The festival area also has merchandise for sale and a tent where donations of cash, check, or credit card can be handed in.

Pack your own water and snacks, because the water supply on site is limited. Strollers are permitted, and dogs are welcome on a leash. The walk goes ahead in any weather, so dress for the forecast, and the organizers email participants and update their website if plans change.

Registration

Signing up costs nothing, and there is no fundraising goal to meet. Register online or in the American Cancer Society's FUNdraising app before walk day, or at the event itself, using the QR code on the signs or the shop in the festival area. The Making Strides of Central Park event page has team pages and the donation link.

Getting There

Parking isn't available inside the park, so plan on a garage or a street spot nearby. The directions to Central Park, parking information, and Naumburg Bandshell location page cover the rest of your arrival plan.

Questions About the Walk

You can reach the organizers at CentralParkNYStrides@cancer.org or 800.227.2345, and the line is open around the clock, every day of the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Making Strides walk start and end?

Walkers can set off at any point from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Sunday, October 18, 2026, and the whole event wraps up at 12:00 PM.

How long is the Making Strides walk in Central Park?

The course is 4 miles on Park Drive, a paved road with some hills.

Is there a registration fee for Making Strides of Central Park?

Signing up costs nothing, and walkers do not have to meet a fundraising goal.

Is the Making Strides walk wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the walk is wheelchair accessible, and the 4-mile route runs along paved Park Drive.

Can I bring a dog or a stroller to the Making Strides walk?

Yes to both. Dogs should be leashed, and owners are asked to pick up after them.

Where are the restrooms at the Making Strides walk?

Public restrooms at Le Pain Quotidien and near Bethesda Terrace, across from the Naumburg Bandshell, are an option, and the festival area also has port-a-potties.

Does the Making Strides walk happen in bad weather?

Yes, it goes ahead in any weather. If plans shift, the organizers notify participants by email and update their website.