How to Start an After-School Running Program
Wondering how to start an after-school program that kids will love? If you’re seeking something to get kids of any age engaged, an after-school running program is an excellent way to get kids moving, build confidence, and encourage goal-setting one step at a time.
After a long day at school, kids of all ages need a brain break. This is doubly true for kids whose school day includes lots of sitting and desk time. Most kids don’t get enough active time, which is a major factor in the rising youth inactivity trend. Physical activity is proven to boost kids’ mood, confidence and academic performance—all while improving their physical health.
An after-school running and walking program is a great way to inspire kids to find their inner athlete as they take their first steps toward a healthier future. The Marathon Kids program encourages kids to run, walk, or play at their own pace, one step and one mile at a time. This research-proven approach emphasizes goal-setting, which helps kids build a growth mindset—something they can apply to all areas of life. Those laps turn into miles and the miles add up to conquering a marathon.
Running or walking together also helps kids develop friendship and empathy as they encourage each other to push further than they thought possible. Here are some tips for starting your after-school running program and empowering kids to build a foundation for a healthier life.
1. Make It Fun and Flexible
Kids thrive when they can move in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.
- Encourage running, walking, skipping, or even dancing—every step counts!
- Create an inclusive environment that welcomes kids of all ages and abilities.
- Focus on personal progress, allowing each child to build confidence while reaching their unique goals.
💡 Tip: Keep the program relaxed and playful to help kids stay engaged.
2. Plan a Safe and Accessible Route
Your program’s success starts with a great route:
- Look for indoor or outdoor spaces—school hallways, gymnasiums, or fields. Mix it up to keep it fun.
- Clear any obstacles, such as tall grass or debris.
- Choose a loop route for continuous movement.
- Measure the route to track distances and progress accurately.
🔗 Pro Tip: Use Marathon Kids, a free program that provides a tracking tool, to make logging laps and minutes easy and fun for everyone.
3. Create a System for Organization and Support
Running a successful after-school program requires teamwork—not just among kids, but also among adults. Having a clear system in place ensures your program runs smoothly and stays engaging for everyone:
- Recruit Volunteers: Enlist parents, teachers, or community members to help manage the club. Volunteers can supervise running routes, track laps, or lead warm-ups and cool-downs.
- Assign Roles: Divide responsibilities such as attendance tracking, tracking laps, updating the bulletin board achievements, and encouraging kids on the route. Clear roles make it easier to stay organized and effective.
- Use Marathon Kids: This free program comes with a digital platform that simplifies tracking laps, miles, and active minutes, keeping your team organized while celebrating kids’ achievements.
- Set a Schedule: Establish consistent meeting times and communicate them clearly to families and volunteers.
🤝 Pro Tip: Engaged volunteers not only make your job easier but also inspire kids by showing that the whole community supports their success.
4. Track Progress and Celebrate Wins
Recognition is key to building momentum. Kids love seeing their progress and are motivated by the data.
- Use Marathon Kids to log kids' active time and celebrate milestones.
- Reward achievements with certificates, shoutouts, or celebrations.
- Show kids their progress visually with Marathon Kids reports—seeing their hard work adds to their pride and motivation.
🎉 Remember: Small celebrations create lasting memories and inspire consistent effort.
5. Lead by Example
As a coach, your enthusiasm sets the tone:
- Show kids what goal-setting looks like by setting your own running goals.
- Encourage a growth mindset by celebrating progress, not just speed or distance.
- Create a nurturing environment where kids feel supported and empowered to try their best.
💪 Inspire: When kids see adults and other peers challenging themselves, they’ll believe in their own potential.
Ready to Get Started?
Marathon Kids provides everything you need to launch your after-school running program:
- Create your free account to access the digital platform to track laps, miles, and active minutes.
- Unlock a Resource Library of games, activities, and lessons.
- Utilize the Goal Setting feature and reports to build community and celebrate achievements.
- A supportive community of coaches and runners.
Start your club today! Together, we can help kids set goals, achieve milestones, and develop a lifelong love for movement.
Become a Marathon Kids Coach Today!