New York Road Runners Youth Programs

Our mission is to establish community-based running programs which enhance physical health, emotional well-being and personal achievement within underserved youth populations throughout New York City and to disseminate our program expertise to interested parties across the United States and around the world. More than 40,000 children from 250 plus schools and community centers will participate in NYRR Youth Service programs during the current school year in addition to 25,000 children drawn from each of the 50 states and 25,000 from South Africa.

Physical education programs were virtually eliminated from New York City public schools a quarter century ago, and now a second generation of a million plus students is growing up without the character lessons and physical conditioning inherent in the sport of running. Our running-based physical education programs teach fitness, goal-setting and the relationship between effort and achievement, while helping youth develop the self-esteem, fitness and discipline necessary for success in school, the workplace and life.

As a leading not-for-profit provider of physical education in New York City, NYRR Youth Programs is very appreciative of our large base of volunteers. Volunteers can serve as coaches, assistant coaches, "race buddies," or people with an expertise to share in areas such as marketing, public relations, fund-raising, special events, graphic design and administrative assistance. If you are interested in volunteering please visit our website where you can download our Volunteer Application.