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What is Let Me Run?

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What is Let Me Run?

Let Me Run is a nonprofit wellness program that inspires boys to be themselves, be active, and belong. With a comprehensive curriculum that applies the power of running, the program encourages boys to develop their psychological, emotional and social health, in addition to their physical health. 

Twice a week for seven weeks, two trained volunteer coaches lead an elementary or middle school team through practice. Designed to amplify confidence, self-expression, and respect for others, each practice includes a lesson from the Let Me Run curriculum that incorporates running, games and activities. Each fall and spring season culminates in a 5k race festival that celebrates the boys’ personal growth.

 

What does Let Me Run teach boys?

Let Me Run coaches guide the boys through lessons topics, including respect, positive competition, and nutrition. Plus, the coaches instruct boys on proper running form and correct stretching techniques.

According to a 2016 independent evaluation by the Institute to Promote Athlete Health & Wellness of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Let Me Run significantly improves boys’ attitudes and behaviors associated with healthy masculinity, increases vigorous physical activity levels, improves social competence, and reduces screen time on school days. The two-season evaluation also showed substantial improvements in Let Me Run participants’ ability to express emotions, show affection, build friendships and connect with others.

 

NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3)

As a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina, we’re proud to be growing at an exponential rate as boys around the United States crave a program based on encouragement, empowerment, and fulfillment.

The Let Me Run curriculum closely follows our credo:

Let Me Run Boys...

  • are courageous enough

    to be themselves.

  • push themselves to be fit in body,

    mind, and spirit.

  • are loyal friends who

    encourage and support others.

  • trust that teamwork, unity, respect,

    and perseverance open doors

    to greatness.

  • are honest with themselves

    and others.

  • responsibly choose what is right,

    never settling for what is easy.

  • Who can participate?

    Let Me Run has a standalone 3rd grade program, a 4th-5th grade elementary program, and a 6th-8th grade middle school program. (6th graders can be a flex grade that participate in either the elementary or middle school curricula.)

    How big are the teams?

    Each team has six to fourteen boys with two trained coaches. We keep the teams small because with too many members, full participation in the curriculum may be difficult for each boy. 

    How long is practice?

    Each Let Me Run team meets two nonconsecutive days a week for one hour and fifteen minutes. All practices start with a unity lap, followed by stretches, running and activities. Then, each practice ends with the mantra — Let me be me. Let me reach out. Let me run. 

    When are the seasons?

    We currently have two seasons of Let Me Run each year, in the Fall and Spring. Fall Season begins in September or October, runs twice a week for seven weeks, and ends in November or December with the 5k. Spring Season typically begins in March or April, runs twice a week for seven weeks, and ends in late May or early June with the 5k. (One week off for spring break is factored into this schedule.)

    What is Let Me Run’s Credo?

    Let Me Run Boys are courageous enough to be themselves.

    Let Me Run Boys push themselves to be fit in body, mind and spirit.

    Let Me Run Boys are loyal friends who encourage and support others.

    Let Me Run Boys trust that teamwork, unity, respect and perseverance open doors to greatness.

    Let Me Run Boys are honest with themselves and others.

    Let Me Run Boys responsibly choose what is right, never settling for what is easy.