NYRR Run for the Future
Through the sport of running, NYRR Run for the Future creates opportunities for a diverse group of New York City young women in an inclusive environment. Our program provides the necessary resources and support to help them meet their self-care and physical activity goals.
What Is NYRR Run for the Future?
NYRR Run for the Future is a free six-week program that introduces 11th and 12th grade high school young women* to the sport of running. Applicants to the program do not self-identify as runners or actively participate in sports. With support from our NYRR’s program team and coaching staff, they are taught running techniques and goal setting to develop the ability, confidence, and motivation to be active for life.
Run for the Future participants are also provided lessons in self-care and wellness that introduce a holistic approach to achieving their fitness goals. Through our educational and fitness sessions, our participants develop an understanding of the connection between physical activity and self-care. Topics include nutrition, mental wellness, body image, and self-awareness. NYRR staff and women leaders from our community of donors and partners lead interactive, informative educational sessions that provide a safe space and rich learning experience for our young women.
Participants receive New Balance running gear and sneakers, a MetroCard for in-person practices, healthy snacks, and a fitness kit to support their training during the season. Participants are required to maintain an 80% attendance rate during practice sessions and complete their first 5K (3.1-mile) race at the end of the program. At the conclusion of the program, participants also receive a wellness kit to continue supporting their self-care needs as new runners.
Who Is Eligible?
Young women are encouraged to apply for NYRR Run for the Future if they are in 11th or 12th grade, live in New York City, attend a public, publicly funded, or parochial high school in New York City, or are working toward their New York State High School Equivalency Diploma, are under 20 years of age, and have had little to no experience participating in running or physical activities.
NYRR Run for the Future offers two meeting times during the summer training season. The summer training season runs from July 1 to August 10, 2024, and meets three times a week. Participants can only be accepted into one of the meeting times:
- Team One: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Team Two: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Participants will meet at NYRR RUNCENTER in Manhattan with practices held in Central Park.
To be considered for NYRR Run for the Future, high school young women must complete the online application and ask an adult (such as a teacher, counselor, or employer) to upload a signed letter of recommendation. Recommendations from family members will not be accepted.
Summer 2024 applications are closed.
NYRR strives to host inclusive, sustainable, and accessible events that enable all individuals to engage. Accepted participants will have the opportunity to request reasonable accessibility accommodations to attend this program/event. Please email accessibility@nyrr.org.
Run for the Future Alumnae
Past participants who have completed the program are encouraged to join the NYRR Run for the Future Alumnae Facebook group and follow the NYRR Run for the Future Instagram account.
The NYRR Run for the Future Alumnae program connects past participants through informational and physical activity offerings, establishing camaraderie and sense of belonging within the NYRR community. The program provides networking forums that focus on running and physical activity, health and wellness, careers, and much more.
Email runforthefuture@nyrr.org with any questions about the alumnae program.
*We use the words “young women” broadly to include cisgender, transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, those currently exploring their gender identity, and anyone who identifies as a young woman.