Get Involved

As much as a marathon-training program, Teens Run DC is a mentoring program for at risk youth.

Why Mentor?

All young people have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to society.  However, not all children get the support they need to thrive.  By all estimates, an astounding 17.6 million young people – nearly half the population of young people between 10 and 18 years of age – live in situations that put them at risk of not living up to their potential and of making choices that can undermine their futures.  (excerpted from Mentor.org)

Accept the challenges and rewards of mentoring a young person for a period of one school year (nine months) or longer and experience benefits that will last you a lifetime.

How to Get Involved:  Our Program Structure

All students in Teens Run DC participate on a team organized at either their school or community center.  A team consists of a minimum of one running leader for every five students.  Ideally, there are at least two running leaders per team of eight to ten students so that the team can function when one leader is not available.  These running leaders are typically affiliated with the schools or community centers where teams are organized.  Leaders run with students at least two days a week, organizing practices from warm up exercises through cool downs, accompanying students as they train.  They also organize and lead weekend long runs which are a necessary part of the program as students train for progressively longer distances.

In addition to running leaders, each team is assigned individual mentors who are responsible for joining the team for two to four hours over one or two weekly practices.  These individual mentors may come from the corporate or government sector, or may be affiliated with a university or local running club.  By definition, they all share a common interest and commitment to guide, encourage, and support young people  towards developing their competence and character.  Each individual mentor is assigned one or possibly two students to follow over the course of  the academic year during which the program runs.