Road Runners Club of America Empowers the Next Generation of Runners with 2025 Kids Run the Nation Grants

October 22, 2025

RRCA has granted more than $415,000 to youth running programs since 2007.

ARLINGTON, Virginia (October 22, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/  — The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Kids Run the Nation® Grants, supporting 45 youth running programs across 23 states and one U.S. territory. This year’s $31,000 in funding will help more than 9,000 children discover the joy of running and develop lifelong healthy habits.

Since launching the Kids Run the Nation Fund in 2007, the RRCA has distributed over $415,000 to locally managed, inclusive youth running programs nationwide. Funding is made possible thanks to the continued generosity of RRCA members, individual donors, the Insurance Management Group (IMG), and K&K Insurance, Sneakers4Good with Marine Corps Marathon, and Zelis—whose shared commitment helps ensure every child can experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of running.

In addition to funding, RRCA will provide free copies of the Kids Run the Nation Program Guide and the Running Guide for Kids booklet to help leaders implement effective, inclusive curricula. Select programs will also receive donated running shoes from RRCA partner Relay Goods, ensuring every child has what they need to start strong.

“The Kids Run the Nation Fund supports creative, grassroots programs that introduce kids to the sport in fun, inclusive, and meaningful ways,” said Erica Gminski, RRCA Youth Programs Manager. “Getting kids moving early helps combat childhood obesity and builds confidence that lasts a lifetime. We love seeing how program leaders adapt our curriculum to meet their community’s unique needs.”

Inspiring Programs Making a Difference

From large cities to small towns, the 2025 grant recipients represent the best of community-based innovation and inclusivity:

• Sacramento Youth Running for Wellness (CA) — A new after-school initiative by Women of Color on the Move, this program engages runners ages 5–17 in neighborhoods facing health and recreational disparities. Using the RRCA’s Kids Run the Nation curriculum, participants will train for a celebratory community 5K, creating opportunities for fitness and pride in South Sacramento and Del Paso Heights.
• The Quest Center (FL) — Serving students ages K–22 with significant cognitive disabilities and medical fragility, this adaptive running program promotes physical activity, confidence, and social connection. Last year, three students qualified for the state’s Special Olympics track and field competition—proof that every runner’s stride counts.
• South Plainfield High School (NJ) — Expanding its popular Aerobic Walking PE class to include running, this program transforms a local park into an outdoor classroom where students learn to set goals, build endurance, and embrace lifelong fitness.

National Reach, Local Impact

Every year, the Kids Run the Nation Fund empowers educators, coaches, and volunteers to build inclusive, community-driven programs that meet kids where they are—regardless of background or ability. The full list of 2025 grant recipients spans from Alabama to Wisconsin to American Samoa, including both first-time applicants and long-standing programs

• Morning Pacesetters – Irondale, AL
• Tamoe – Pago Pago, AS
• Mesquite Milers Club – Tucson, AZ
• Malvern Elementary School Little Rockers – Malvern, AR
• Every Move Matters – Asbell Running Club – Fayetteville, AR
• Sonora Learning Academy – Springdale, AR
• Springhill Elementary Running Club – Greenbrier, AR
• Westside Running Club – Greenbrier, AR
• Trojan Tribe – Kirby, AR
• Run Club – Santee, CA
• Sacramento Youth Running for Wellness – Sacramento, CA
• Howling Moon Booster Club – San Jose, CA
• Barnett Running Club – Ramona, CASandburg Elementary Running and Walking Club – San Diego, CA
• Kenton Elementary Run Club – Aurora, CO
• The Quest Center – Hollywood, FL
• King Middle School Running Club – Milton, FL
• Spaghetti Run Club – Warner Robins, GA
• Y Kids Run – Columbus, GA
• BlazeSports Adaptive Track & Field Program – Norcross, GA
• Peace Runners Youth Run Club – Chicago, IL
• Running Mates – Chicago, IL
• Flyers Running Club – Chicago, IL
• Accelerators Running Club – Aurora, IL
• Run Brickie Run – Hobart, IN
• Cape Ann YMCA – Youth Running Club – Beverly, MA
• Junior Bulldogs for Youth Affected by Addiction – Chestnut Hill, MA
• Deer Creek Promise Community Running Club – Stoneville, MS
• Omaha Running Club’s Kids Run the Nation Program – Omaha, NE
• South Plainfield High School Aerobic Walking – South Plainfield, NJ
• Fast Feet NYC – Brooklyn, NY
• Bronx Burners Youth Incentive Program – New York, NY
• MUCC – Run Club – Utica, NY
• Innovation in Motion – Bismarck, ND
• Adaptive Sports Ohio – Wooster, OH
• Bruins on the Run – Bartlesville, OK
• CV Kids of Steel – Bridgeville, PA
• Lady’s Island Running Club – Beaufort, SC
• Greater Than Gold HOPE Run Club – Simpsonville, SC
• Special Needs Running Club – Frisco, TX
• Tiger Run Club – San Antonio, TX
• RODS Heroes Run Club – Providence, UT
• Kids On The Move – Henrico, VA
• Reston Runners Youth in Motion – Herndon, VA
• CVES Striders Club/Sunny’s Trail – Coon Valley, WI

About Kids Run the Nation: The Kids Run the Nation program, developed by the RRCA, is dedicated to supporting and growing youth running programs in schools and communities nationwide. The program is designed to welcome children of all genders and abilities. Since its launch in 1986, the RRCA has distributed thousands of curriculum guides and awarded over $415,000 in grants to programs of all sizes—helping kids across the country discover the joy and lifelong benefits of running. Learn more at https://www.rrca.org/programs/kids-run-the-nation/

About the RRCA: Founded in 1958, the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association dedicated to growing the sport of running. The RRCA empowers everyone to run by championing community-based running organizations, events, and programs that foster participation in running as a sport and healthy lifestyle. Learn more at www.RRCA.org