Chicago Runners
This project's parent organization is Chicago Run
It operates in United States
It uses Athletics
Shortlisted for the Sport for Health Award
More about Chicago Runners
Founded in late 2007 to aid in the fight against childhood obesity, Chicago Run (CR) is a nonprofit organization that operates and supports free running programs for children and youth in Chicago. Childhood obesity is a public health epidemic with sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition cited as major contributing factors.
In the Chicago area, childhood obesity rates exceed national and statewide averages. Approximately 79% of elementary school students have gym only once per week and limited links to community-based options for activity. Options are even scarcer in underserved areas, such as the communities that CR works in. Many of these neighborhoods also have higher rates of childhood obesity due to the lack of unsafe facilities, limited green space, reduced access to healthy foods, and pressure to improve test scores. However, physical activity contributes to improved cardiovascular health, decreased risk of cancer and diabetes, and improved mood and cognitive performance.
CR believes that running offers students a way to get fit, stay focused, and increase self-esteem, CR provides school-based running programs to 45 Chicago Public Schools, serving 10,000 elementary students in diverse neighborhoods across the city. 90% of our participants qualify for the federal free/reduced lunch program.