RunningRocks.com, a Youth Running Web Portal, Launched
Site provides resources for teachers, parents and youth program providers

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Posted Monday, 29 September, 2008

RunningRocks.com is the new service and support center for kids running and fitness programs. Produced by Running USA, this website has been designed to facilitate a national network of ideas, experiences and information for everyone involved in, concerned about or just interested in youth running.

"Running USA is committed to building the sport and assisting communities in providing effective and fun fitness activities for youth," explains Susan Weeks, Running USA CEO. "We are delighted to launch RunningRocks.com which brings many resources together in one place to help organizations start or enhance a youth program."

The site features sections that celebrate and explain all aspects of Youth Running.

The Youth Running Programs Directory provides information about youth running programs around the country. One can search for programs by city, state, age group served and venue. Details about the programs and their website links are provided. Exemplary programs are identified as Running USA Model Programs (see Running USA wire #75). Directors of programs not already listed on the site are encouraged to add their information by going to the bottom of the Programs Directory page.

Visitors to the Youth Running Event Calendar can search for events by date, city, state and age group. Event details and website links complete the listings. Event directors can add their youth run using the form at the bottom of Event Calendar pages.

The Resources page contains topics of interest such as obesity statistics, benefits of youth running, tips for working with kids, how to budget for a new program, tips for conducting a youth running event and ideas for how to make running and fitness fun. More tools, tips, sample curriculums and funding sources will be added in the coming months.

Organizations or communities that are interested in learning more about youth running and fitness programs can request a Running Rocks Ambassador. The eight dedicated and experienced individuals - Sharon Barbano (Saucony), Michael Dove (JUST RUN), Len Goldman (Girls on the Run, Students Run Oakland), Tina Klein (Atlanta Track Club), Nancy Lieberman (GO! St. Louis Read, Right and Run Marathon), Susan Love (JUST RUN), Cliff Sperber (New York Road Runners Foundation) and Susan Weeks (Running USA) - are profiled on the Youth Program Ambassadors / Mentors page accessed from the Resources section. They are available to speak at national, state or school district forums on the proven benefits of low cost running-based fitness programs. Some of them may also be available to train personnel for new programs.

The Recommended Books linked from the Resources page have been suggested by youth running program directors and coaches and cover preschool to high school age groups. Four percent of sales ordered from the Recommended Books page will benefit Running USA's youth program initiatives.

Encouragement and reward are essential complements to commitment and effort. The "Wall of Winners" honors the recipients of youth awards presented at the 2007 and 2008 Running USA Conferences. Site visitors can nominate the next Youth Program of the Year, Event of the Year or Contributor of the Year using the appropriate link on the Winners page. The nomination deadline is Monday, November 10, 2008.

As the understanding that the joy of running can be an effective weapon in the fight against childhood obesity becomes more widespread, Running Rocks will become an essential intersection for the flow of ideas and knowledge.

For information about content, updates and sponsorship opportunities, contact Linda Honikman at youth@runningusa.org.

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