7 Kids’ Running Programs That Are Making a Difference

Help young girls to see how darn awesome they are! Credit: stevendepolo

7 Running Programs That Help Kids

1. Girls On The Run. Girls on the Run is a running program for young girls ages 8 to 10 (with a sister program, Girls on Track, available for 11- to 13-year-olds), where open conversation-based lessons and fun running games help them to gain lifelong confidence, friendships and an appreciation for health and fitness. The 24-lesson curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run coaches and is split into three major sections: understanding ourselves, valuing relationships and teamwork, and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large. This program uses running as a tool to build strong, thoughtful and motivated young women who take care of themselves inside and out. The program concludes with a celebratory 5K.

How you can get involved: You can volunteer with an already established Girls on the Run program, or start one in your area if one is not available. Volunteers can donate whatever time they have, whether it’s a couple hours a day, a week, a month or a year to help out. Girls on the Run volunteer coaches follow a provided curriculum with groups of eight to 15 girls over the course of 10 to 12 weeks. To volunteer, contact an existing council in your area, or if there is not one already, you can start your own with an initial membership fee. For more information, click here.