NYRR Youth Programs

When you encourage kids to move, you'll inspire them to soar.

Working together, we can ensure our youth build the skills, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life, which are key elements of lifelong well-being.

At New York Road Runners, we believe in the power of activity to keep children physically and mentally strong. We get kids moving to help them develop lifelong physical and social-emotional skills.

For Educators

For Families

00:00 /

In School and Out of School

Rising New York Road Runners is a free running-based youth program designed for schools, after school programs, community centers, and running clubs nationwide. We train PE teachers, classroom teachers, counselors, and coaches to implement the program, and provide resources for in-person and virtual instruction. Rewards for kids are built in to keep them moving and motivated.

We take a developmental approach to physical education that's focused on a student's age, needs, and ability. Our research-based program consists of games and activities that make it fun to learn—and teach—the fundamental movement skills at the heart of running and most other sports.

Learn More

Rising New York Road Runners Events

Rising New York Road Runners events combine fitness activities, short dashes, and races to give kids a fun and rewarding experience designed to build the confidence they need to cross any finish line. Our free and fun events are also available at home through a series of virtual events, including virtual races, that the whole family can do together at home.

All Youth Events

Boogie Down Kids Run at the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile

Register

Youth

Rising NYRR at the NYRR Staten Island Half - Stage 1

Register

Youth

NEW October - December Rising NYRR Races

Search Races

Youth

Free Physical Activity Tools for Kids of All Ages

Learn More

Youth

Youth Initiatives

Rising New York Road Runners Youth Ambassadors

Speaking up in stride! This opportunity helps youth eager to explore public speaking improve their presentation and communication skills through workshops, then allows them to showcase their accomplishments through speaking engagements at special NYRR events including the TCS New York City Marathon.

Rising New York Road Runners Wheelchair Training program

A free opportunity for youth with physical disabilities ages 6-21, offering weekly training sessions, in-school resources, and competitive road and track events.

NYRR Run for the Future

NYRR Run for the Future is a free program that introduces young women in high school to running. The program starts in the summer when participants train to run their first 5K together, creating connections that last beyond the program. They can also be part of a strong alumnae network while they continue their year-round running journeys.

Rising New York Road Runners New Balance Shoe Distributions

To help and inspire our youth through running, we distribute shoes to kids at enrolled Rising New York Road Runners sites with shoe donations from New Balance. Since 2017, more than 47,000 pairs of shoes have been distributed to qualified participants.

Youth Photos & Stories

ALL PHOTOS AND STORIES

Youth Ambassador making a heart sign with her hands

STORIES

2025 Youth Ambassador Graduation

Congratulations to our 2025 Rising New York Road Runners Youth Ambassadors graduates! These amazing young individuals finished a comprehensive six-week training workshop and will spend the next year speaking at marquee events, engaging with professional athletes, and more!

Run for the Future participants at the 2025 Percy Sutton Harlem 5K

STORIES

Run For the Future at the 2025 Percy Sutton Harlem 5K

Participants from the 2025 summer cohort of NYRR Run for the Future—a free six-week program introducing high school young women to running—completed their celebratory 5K at the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K. Joining them was this year’s Run for the Future Ambassador, Tony and Grammy Award winner Patina Miller, who served as a race buddy and cheered them on to the finish.

Youth award recipients smile for a group picture with their medals and awards

PHOTOS

2025 NYRR Youth Awards Night

The amazing accomplishments of local youth athletes were celebrated, and award winners were announced at NYRR Youth Awards Night. The night provided everyone the opportunity to honor and celebrate the best of the New York City youth running community.