Is your child interested in running but you don’t know where to start? The NYRR RUNCENTER hosts a variety of running-related programs and events for runners of all ages. We recently discovered the NYRR youth programming, and were amazed at all the incredible activities that the beautiful NYRR offers families. The best part – these community programs are complete free.
NYRR RUNCENTER
The gorgeous NYRR RUNCENTER is conveniently located at 320 West 57th Street, just southwest of Columbus Circle and a short jog to Central Park. It is the headquarters for NYRR’s runner services – which includes distribution of bibs for NYRR races, running education, training and innovation. A meeting center for runners of all ages and abilities, the center also offers amenities such as free lockers (for runners who are hitting the pavement in Central Park), bathrooms, and charging stations. It is a community center for runners, with a mission to help and inspire the love of running, by catering to the runner’s needs and well being.
Rising New York Road Runners – NYRR Youth Programming
Since 1999, New York Road Runners has been offering free youth running and fitness programs to young runners from the age of Pre-K to 12th grade. Not just in its backyard of New York City – the Rising New York Road Runner Program is in schools, after-school programs, and community centers across the country; serving more than 267,000 youth annually. The program’s mission is to help and inspire people of all ages through running; and includes free programs to build fitness skills, motivation, and to instill kids with the confidence to stay healthy and active for life.
Part of the Rising New York Road Runner Programming is a (completely free!) monthly running class. The one-hour coach-led sessions are geared for families with youth runners, and includes exercise and education so kids (and the adults who accompany them!) can learn and foster healthy relationships with the sport.
We recently attended one of the NYRR Youth Programming offerings, a family running class. We had a BLAST! The class got the kids up and moving in the RUNCENTER ,and then moved to Central Park after. From running drills and activities, fun games and relays, the children loved it.
Upcoming Class Schedule:
- Saturday, March 24, 11:00a.m.—12:00p.m.
- Saturday, April 21, 11:00a.m.—12:00p.m.
- Sunday, May 20, 11:00a.m.—12:00p.m.
- Saturday, June 23, 11:00a.m.—12:00p.m.
The class is completely free, but does require registration. Register online HERE.
What if your little one loves the class and wants to race? Rising New York Road Runners also offers (shorter distance) races that are 100% free and are organized into three stages based on the level of physical activity, competitiveness, and the age of an individual participant. See an upcoming list of events HERE.
New Balance Run Hub
The NYRR RUNCENTER is also home to the New Balance Run Hub, a state of the art facility that provides runners expert shoe fittings, and footwear guidance. The store also sells a wide range of apparel, and running accessories for all abilities. It is also considered a test hub for new innovation – runners have an opportunity to try out the latest NB running gear and technology, often before it launches anywhere else in the world. (How cool is that!?) During our visit I had my feet scanned. I was (shocked!) to learn that I was wearing shoes that were too small and that I was damaging my feet. An issue I quickly rectified by buying my correct size, in a shoe that complements my arch, giving me the support I need.
1 for You 1 for Youth
The 1 for You 1 for Youth Program was launched in January of 2017 and is a joint initiative with NYRR and New Balance to provide children with high quality running shoes. For each pair of shoes purchased at the New balance Run Hub, New Balance will donate a pair of running shoes to NYRR’s youth program. An amazing cause that I was so proud to be part of.
Adults Can Get Involved Too!
Want to be more involved? The NYRR has a charity team called Team for Kids. The team is made up of a committed group of adult runners who put “meaning to their miles” by raising funds during their runs for NYRR’s Youth and Community Service programs. A great way to get the entire family involved for an amazing cause. More information available HERE.
So glad to have discovered the RUNCENTER and the free NYRR Youth programming for our son. We even signed up for some upcoming races – Mini 10K in Central Park, here I come!
Thank you to NYRR and New Balance for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions and reviews are our own.
