• Susan and Mide holding banner with Five Million Miles above two program participants

    Just Run Program Suspended Until Further Notice

    The Big Sur Marathon Foundation, the major funding source for JUST RUN, has suffered severe financial repercussions due to the Covid-19 pandemic and are unable to offer our youth fitness program at this time. The website remains active for informational use and as a physical activity resource. Effective October 1st, email info@bsim.org or call (831) 625-6226 for more info.
  • Just Run Kids and Coaches

    Just Run Program Suspended Until Further Notice

    The Big Sur Marathon Foundation, the major funding source for JUST RUN, has suffered severe financial repercussions due to the Covid-19 pandemic and are unable to offer our youth fitness program at this time. The website remains active for informational use and as a physical activity resource. Effective October 1st, email info@bsim.org or call (831) 625-6226 for more info.
  • Kids Stretching, Just Run

    Just Run Program Suspended Until Further Notice

    The Big Sur Marathon Foundation, the major funding source for JUST RUN, has suffered severe financial repercussions due to the Covid-19 pandemic and are unable to offer our youth fitness program at this time. The website remains active for informational use and as a physical activity resource. Effective October 1st, email info@bsim.org or call (831) 625-6226 for more info.

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JUST RUN - National Award-Winning Youth Fitness Program

This website-based program assists schools and youth organizations throughout the United States and foreign countries in the promotion of physical activity & healthy lifestyles. Outstanding success! Since the development of JUST RUN in 2005, more than 200,000 children in 43 states have logged over 5,000,000 miles.

Benefits for Children

Benefits for Teachers

  • Combats childhood obesity
  • Promotes pride in accomplishment and life-long positive habits
  • Non-competitive - all children are successful
  • A fun experience for children of all ages
  • Group goal setting
  • Educational through JUST RUN Across the USA/Europe
  • Good citizenship through Just Deeds
  • Healthy eating through Just Taste
  • FREE
  • Easy to implement and turn-key
  • Training, advice, and support provided
  • Excellent resource guide for health-related topics
  • Raises academic and fitness test scores
  • Supplements or fulfills physical activity requirements
  • Improves students' focus and behavior
  • Graduate units (CEUs) available via UOP

 

Testimonials

There were many things that I found were beneficial to using this program in my class. First, it got the students excited to run. Doing this allowed them to see how exercise can be fun. Second, it calmed my class down a lot when we came in for the last part of our day. Third, it created a fun sense of competition in class with students trying to get faster times than others. It was so sweet to see the good sportsmanship and kindness they showed each other both on and off the track. This program has been great for my students socially, emotionally, as well as beneficial to their health.

Sophia N. Santa Rita Kindergarten Teacher

Our Sponsors

  • Thank You

    to our generous sponsors

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    to our generous sponsors

  • Thank You

    to our generous sponsors

  • Thank You

    to our generous sponsors

  • Thank You

    to our generous sponsors

  • Thank You

    to our generous sponsors

  • Thank You

    to our generous sponsors

  • Thank You

    to our generous sponsors

  • Thank You

    to our generous sponsors

  • Thank You

    to our generous sponsors

JUST RUN Tip

Run with the Principal Day

One great program idea is the Run with the Principal day started by Pepper Butler at New Republic School in Salinas. Pepper has a few days per week as part of the JUST RUN program where students can "Run with the Principal". Pepper gets in her own run and many many kids tag along with her.

This is usually done on the track or the athletic field. Its amazing how many kids are motivated to run, be healthy, and stay active, by seeing that their principal does the same thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?
Do we need to pay a fee to register for the program?
Can I register at any time or only at the beginning of the school year?
My school cannot afford to buy incentives. How should we award the kids?
What are JUST RUN Chapters?

NYSS Champion

NYSS Champion badge

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is pleased to recognize Just Run as one of the first organizations to join the National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) Champion program. As an NYSS Champion, Just Run has demonstrated their organization’s support of youth sports and commitment to the NYSS vision. Just Run will be recognized along with other NYSS Champions on health.gov as part of a growing network of organizations partnering with HHS to improve the youth sports landscape.

JUST RUN Drill

Sample Warm Up Drills

It is very important to warm up the body before running or walking or doing any sports activity. Here are some sample warm up drills: Remember - no bouncing without warming up first.

  • Reach for the Stars - Stand straight and tall and reach as high as you can 5 times with each arm.
  • Sunflower - form a sunflower (circle) with arms over head and open and bend like a squat while reaching for the ground - then back up again - 5 times.
  • Volcano - make whooshing sounds as you bend down and reach for the ground - then stand up straight and tall and reach for the sky.
  • Shake it up - Shake the hands and feet at the same time for a minute.
  • Gentle Jumping Jacks - Jump gently with feet apart and hands reaching over head.
  • High Knee Running in place - Start slowly then move legs faster and higher while running in place.

Proud Partner with the Active School Movement

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Sign up to become a champion to increase physical education and physical activity in our nation's schools.