Young Runners FAQs

1. What is Young Runners?

Young Runners is a school and community-based program that promotes fitness by motivating kids to work hard and achieve distance and time goals they set for themselves. Along with the aerobic component of the program, Young Runners utilizes the popularity of team membership and the many experiential opportunities it presents to help kids develop their full human potential as well as their athletic potential.

 

2. How does it work?

Through active participation on a running team that practices 2-5 days per week, kids train to run one mile to ten kilometers (6.2 miles) without stopping. Students can earn incentives for participation and individual achievement.

 

3. What staff will we need?

To start a Young Runners program a school/organization must have someone to serve as a coach. Depending on the size of the team more than one coach may be necessary. Extensive running or coaching knowledge is not required, but heart, humor, and belief in the program are invaluable. A dedicated coach is key to the success of the Young Runners program.

 

4. What type of support do Young Runners teams receive?

The Young Runners program helps schools/organizations, including those with minimal resources, develop meaningful running programs. NYRR Youth and Community Services provides full support, including training, equipment, and incentive management, as well as a Field Coordinator assigned to your program. The Field Coordinator provides onsite assistance and support twice a month.

 

5. How do I know if my school/organization is eligible for a Young Runners program in NYC?

To be eligible for a Young Runners program in NYC you need to:

• Serve elementary, middle, and or high school aged children.
• Have the support of the principal/director.
• Have a dedicated coach (no experience required).
• Plan to enroll a minimum of 15 kids in the program.
• Commit to holding practices at least 2  days per week with each practice at least an hour long.

 

6. What about the incentives?

Young Runners earn patches for reaching certain time and fitness goals. In addition, they earn points for attending practices that can be exchanged for incentives such as team uniform items.

 

7. What about the events?

Participating in events adds a vital element of excitement to the Young Runners program. Events build team spirit, give kids something to look forward to, show them they are a part of something bigger, and provide them with the chance to put their running to the test.

In the New York City area, numerous races and events are offered each season including NYRR Races, Jamborees, Cross Country Invitational and Track Meets, and other special events. All teams should aim to attend at least one Jamboree and one NYRR race per season as they provide very different and uplifting experiences. We will arrange for buses to take your Young Runners team to the event.

 

8. What comes in a Young Runners start-up kit?

• 1 flash drive with instructional information for the coach
• 10 flyers to recruit kids
• 1 measuring wheel
• 1 clipboard
• 1 stopwatch
• 1 whistle
• 4 batons
• 10 cones
• 1 First Aid kit
• A sample of incentives including: sample patches, a t-shirt, and a bag