NEW YORK – October 29, 2026 -- Four runners with personal ties to autism will line up among more than 55,000 participants at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on November 1 to raise funds for services for autistic adults. The race marks the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course.
Team NEXT makes its marathon debut
NEXT for AUTISM, a nonprofit focused on transforming services for autistic adults, is an Official Charity Partner of the marathon for the first time. Its inaugural Team NEXT consists of Eric Caldwell, Holly Fowler, Elizabeth Fox and Michael Mutino. Together they will cover 104.8 miles.
Their goal is to draw attention to a gap: an estimated 5.4 million autistic adults live in the United States, yet inclusive opportunities, services and resources for adults remain significantly limited.
Each runner has a personal reason
- Eric Caldwell, a consultant with Version X Solutions, was inspired by his autistic sister's employment journey and is advocating for more workplace opportunities. He has completed three marathons and an Ironman event.
- Holly Fowler was inspired by the people featured in Netflix's Love on the Spectrum. She founded Wable, a social app that helps neurodivergent people find dates, friends and jobs.
- Elizabeth Fox, a senior consultant at Marsh and a lifelong endurance athlete, is running for her older autistic sister and for greater inclusion of autistic adults.
- Michael Mutino, president of Inter Contracting Corp. and father of an eight-year-old autistic son, is running his first marathon to highlight the need for support throughout adulthood.
NEXT for AUTISM CEO Gillian Leek said the runners understand the importance of "building a world where autistic adults have the support they deserve."
Funds go to work, home, social and health programs
Money raised by Team NEXT will support the organization's expansion of innovative programs and services for autistic adults in four 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.