RRCA: Kids Run the Nation ®

• RRCA FUNdamentals of Youth Running (adobe pdf)

The Kids Run the Nation Program is a multi-week, gender neutral, youth running program designed for children in grades kindergarten through sixth grade. The RRCA.s vision is to see a locally managed, youth running program in every grade school in America.

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THE PROGRAM GUIDE

All RRCA member running clubs or their youth programs may use the royalty-free, RRCA trademarked name, Kids Run the Nation!., along with the Kids Run the Nation logo found on the RRCA branding page. Schools interested in developing a Kids Run the Nation program may also use the name as long as the school, as an official school activity, runs the program. Programs run by PTA.s or as afterschool enrichment programs must join the RRCA as a youth running club in order to use the Kids Run the Nation name. There are NO burdensome royalty fees to brand your program as a .Kids Run the Nation!. program. If your program already has a name or you want to use a different name, but you still want to use the RRCA Kids Run the Nation Program Guide, no problem. Our stated vision is clear, to see a youth running program in every grade school in America. Our materials were created for that purpose, so we aren.t picky about what you decide to call your youth running program.

To help motivate students, program directors can purchase and give to participants the Kids Run the Nation: A Running Guide for Kids booklet. This 5x7 inch booklet contains 12-pages of information designed to help children develop their running program at home. While this booklet is designed as a Kids Run the Nation program companion, anyone can purchase a copy or any running program leader can purchase multiple copies to be given away.

• Purchase your Kids Run the Nation Program Guide and Kids booklets today!
• Purchase Kids Run the Nation t-shirts and backpack tags to give to your program participants

Give Parents Peace of Mind Screen Your Volunteers

Screen Your Volunteers

The Road Runners Club of America has a guideline encouraging the practice of criminal background checks for RRCA members or anyone working with minors such as coaches, assistant coaches, volunteers, or employees engaged in working with youth (legal minors) involved in youth running programs or kids events. To help clubs implement this guideline, the RRCA has partnered with TC logiQ, Inc. to provide an affordable background screening service for our members. For more information call TC logiQ at 877-825-6447 or visit them online at http://www.tclogiq.com.

To find additional Kids Run the Nation program resources, visit our companion site at http://www.KidsRunTheNation.org.

RRCA: Kids Run the Nation Fund

Major Doners

• Give to the Kids Run the Nation Fund

In 2007, the RRCA developed the Kids Run the Nation Fund to assists running clubs, events, and schools that are interested in implementing or currently have a youth running program. This small grant program will be funded by restricted contributions from RRCA members, individuals, foundations, and corporations. Grants will be awarded on an annual basis through an application and selection process overseen by a volunteer selection committee.

Criteria for a Grant from the RRCA: Kids Run the Nation Fund

A total of $5000 will be awarded in a combination of grants ranging from $500-$1000. Running clubs, events, or other organizations with the IRS 501(c)3 designation are eligible to apply. Elementary and middle schools that provide an organized after-school running programs are eligible as well.

Important criteria for receiving a grant include:

• The running program should be more than just a one time event. It should be a structured running program that ideally utilizes the RRCA youth running materials. The goal of the program is to have kids running regularly, at least once a week for multiple weeks, as opposed to participating in a single event. However, the program may culminate in participation at a kids. race.
• The program may be a start-up program or a pre-existing program.
• The program should not be gender specific but open for both girls and boys. The program may not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnic origin, or economic status. The program may outline age groups and may place a minimum and maximum age for participation.
• The program may focus on participation or may emphasize competition or a combination of both.
• The running program has adopted policies and procedures that ensure the safety of the participants and outlines expectations of the program leaders including submitting to criminal background checks.

What the Kids Run the Nation Grants May Fund:

• Marketing materials . brochures, posters, fliers, etc informing parents about the program
• Advertising the program in a community newspaper or website
• Hosting a program website
• Fees for permits or usage fees for a local park or running track
• Purchase hydration supplies -- water, Gatorade, cups, etc.
• Participation awards (ribbons, shirts, patches, etc) for the program
• Mileage logs or other written materials for the program
• Other items that the RRCA Grant Selection Committee sees fit to fund

What the Kids Run the Nation Grants Will Not Fund:

• Sponsoring individual runners
• Travel for competitive teams to events
• Race entry fees for competitive teams
• Social events for program staff or volunteers
• Salaries or travel costs for paid program staff
• Other items the RRCA grant selection committee determines to be ineligible for funding

Application for a Kids Run the Nation Grant (Word doc file)