Running Leaders

Running leaders with Teens Run DC are the backbone of our program. While they may be training for a marathon, half-marathon, or 10K race for a first time themselves, they understand that their mission is to mentor the youth under their care.  In that role, they encourage students to stay motivated and focused.  They offer guidance and support, encouragement and friendship, emphasizing students’ strengths and problem-solving capacities rather than seeing only deficits and problem behaviors.

Running leaders teach by example, running alongside students at each practice, working towards a similar goal of completing a particular distance.  Running with their students hours each week, they get to know their students, listening to them, talking with them. These leaders are not foster parents, therapists, parole officers, or cool peers although they may possess qualities of each.  Ultimately they help students to envision possibilities and achieve  goals, whether in running, in school, or in life, one step at a time.  In so doing, they empower students to overcome feelngs of helplessness, hopelessness, and isloation that so often accompany the experience of trauma and loss.

In practical terms, running leaders are expected to:

  • train with students 2 to 3 days a week, including a weekend long run
  • supervise and support runners at weekly practices
  • attend bimonthly staff meetings/trainings
  • coordinate race registrations and paperwork for team members.

Each school or team has several running leaders.  Ideally, we like two running leaders for every eight to ten kids who participate in our program.

You do not have to be an experienced runner to be a running leader with us! You do need vision, commitment, and a strong wish to help our students realize their potential!  With these skills, Teens Run DC will provide you with training and support, both to run long distance and to mentor our youth.

Helpful tips for mentors

As a running leader you are eligible for:

  • training and support
  • coverage for race registrations
  • lunches at races
  • transportation to and from races
  • running shoes (if funds are available)
  • program T-shirt
  • running jacket (if funds are available)

If you’re interested in volunteering in Teens Run DC as a Running Leader

In order to participate in Teens Run DC, all volunteers must complete the DCPS Volunteer Application which includes a background criminal and child abuse check.  A link to the DCPS Volunteer Application is included above which you will need to fill out and deliver to the DCPS Volunteer Coordinator at 1200 First Street NE, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20002.  This will require that you bring a copy of negative TB test results as well as state issued photo ID.  Application will not be accepted without these documents.

Approved application will be returned to you which you will then need to mail to Teens Run DC.