7 Kids’ Running Programs That Are Making a Difference

Inspire younger ones to lace up those running shoes! Credit: AngryJulieMonday

7 Running Programs That Help Kids

5. New York Young Runners. With the help of running coaches, new runners learn to complete distances ranging anywhere from 1 to 6.2 miles in a team-based setting. The Young Runners program is designed for children in grades three to 12, and will push them appropriately within their individual physical capabilities. The Young Runners program is free for all New York City public schools, as well as youth clubs and before- and after-school programs in under served communities. The Young Runners program is unique because kids can cultivate their love for running in the same supportive atmosphere all throughout their school years.

How you can get involved: Sign up to be a Young Runner’s coach. As a Young Runner’s coach, you will be assigned a field coordinator to assist you in launching your program. Every year, at the beginning of your Young Runners season, you will receive a kit to help you get your program up and running, which includes a flash drive containing participant release forms, goal sheets, spreadsheets for tracking student progress, marketing materials, fitness equipment and everything else you need to run a successful program.