Through our partnership with the City Parks Foundation, underserved youth in NYC train for and complete their very own one-mile race, culminating with a fitness festival and medal ceremony in Central Park hosted the day before the New York City Triathlon produced by Life Time.
Kids in NYC are invited to participate by joining the City Parks Foundation programs leading up to the event this fall! Program info.
How It Works
A free program for children living in underserved communities, kids train for and complete a one-mile run under the purview of the City Parks Foundation, culminating with a fitness festival and medal ceremony in Central Park on Saturday, September 30th. Participants will complete a 50-yard dash across the same Finish Line as the adults competing in the iconic New York City Triathlon the next day! See more event details below.
To inspire New York City kids to get outdoors this summer and benefit from exercise and healthier eating, City Parks Foundation and Life Time Foundation have partnered to introduce the Life Time Foundation New York City Kids Run – a running and nutrition program for children between the ages of 8-17.
Comprehensive training and nutrition curriculum composed by US Track and Field Olympian, US Olympic Coach and Life Time Foundation Board Member, Mechelle Lewis Freeman, is implemented over 4 weeks by coaches of the City Parks Foundation Track & Field youth program, culminating with a fitness festival in Central Park on September 30th.
Designed for implementation by a school or community organization, the progressive running program also provides foundational knowledge necessary for an adult leader to facilitate an effective training experience for kids in their community.
Event Details
Kids Run Festival | Saturday, September 30
11:00am – Kids check-in
11:30am – Kids run warm-up
11:45am – Walk/jog to kids dash start
12:00pm – Kids dash through Finish Line
12:30pm – Walk/jog back to Bandshell
12:30 – 1:30pm – Kids and family dance/entertainment
1:00 – 2:00pm – Kids activities – face painting, intention-setting wall, music and more!
Location: Central Park – Naumburg Bandshell
*Event details subject to change.
Volunteers and spectators are highly encouraged to attend and support these kids as they take their own bite of the Big Apple! Sign up to volunteer.
All Participants Will Receive A T-Shirt and Finisher Medal!
About Life Time Foundation
Life Time Foundation focuses on sustainable, impactful change in two main areas: nutrition and movement. We collaborate with school food leaders to help them serve wholesome, nourishing, minimally processed food in schools and with community organizations nationwide to get kids moving. Since Life Time covers all of our operational costs, every cent of every dollar contributed by you directly supports programs and grantmaking.
Help make a difference and donate today!
Course Map
Click image to enlarge. Subject to change.