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

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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.

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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

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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

STORIES

2026 RNYRR Youth Ambassador Graduation Photo Gallery

Our newest Rising NYRR Youth Ambassadors celebrated the completion of their summer workshop series, where they built confidence, strengthened their public speaking skills, and learned to step up and speak out. From finding their voice to owning the room, these young leaders showed us what happens when you give young people the tools and space to shine. Congratulations, Youth Ambassadors! We can’t wait to see where your voices take you next.

Evelyn Flores and family at 2025 NYRR Cross Country Series race in Van Cortlandt Park

STORIES

Rising NYRR Mom Evelyn Flores Says Running Encourages Her Son to Explore the Outside World

For Evelyn Flores, running is a family tradition that brings her closer to her children while breaking down barriers in the running community. She discovered Rising New York Road Runners through a friend and they attended their first event together, marking the start of something she cherishes.

Rising NYRR dad Simon Obas and his family at the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile.

STORIES

Rising NYRR Dad Simon Obas: “This Program Is What the City Needs”

When Simon Obas cheered on a friend running the TCS New York City Marathon in 2016, he didn’t realize that moment would spark his love of running. “It was magical,” he said about being a spectator along the course. The following year he would embark on his own running journey. The father of two is passing down his passion for the sport to his 5-year-old son Grayson and his 2-year-old daughter Lenore.