From Let Me Run's website:

What is Let Me Run?

Let Me Run is a nonprofit holistic health program for 4th through 6th grade boys. Using running as the vehicle to inspire, teach and reach boys, the comprehensive curriculum breaks down destructive male stereotypes that often stand in the way of positive futures for boys. Twice a week for seven weeks, trained coaches guide teams of six to fourteen boys through the program, designed to amplify confidence, self-expression, and respect for others. Each season culminates in a 5k race that celebrates the boys’ emotional, social and physical growth.

I am honored to have been one of the coaches for one of the teams for this, the inaugural appearance of Let Me Run in the state of Iowa!

The parent corporation in Charlotte, North Carolina wanted us to "tag onto" an existing 5K for our season-ending race...

But with the help of Corridor Running (a local running club), volunteers, parents, & families, we organized our own race & it was AMAZING! -- The largest first-time 5K ever in the history of Let Me Run!

Runners included 74 boys & 22 coaches from 7 schools in 4 local school districts PLUS 85 "community runners!"

The race was held on Sunday, November 5, 2018...Race-Day Registration & Packet Pick-Up opened at 11:30 AM & closed at 12:45 PM...Race started at 1:00 PM

The race was held on the Main Campus of Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The course was an out & back on a paved path closed to traffic with a loop around 2 baseball fields in the middle -- Water Stop at the turn-around point -- Exactly 3.1 miles

Race shirts were from a company called RECOVER, whose mission is "to create the best, most environmentally friendly & socially responsible products possible" -- Each shirt was made from 8 recycled plastic bottles & upcycled cotton -- How cool is that?

Live Star Spangled Banner (sung by one of the race participants)

Free, downloadable race photos

Chip timing provided by a company called "On The Run Race Timing" who also provided video of each runner crossing the finish line -- The boys (& parents) thought this was so AWESOME!

We've already set the date for our next season & race -- Race date is Sat. May 19, 2018 -- Same location!

And we're planning on over 200 boys from 20 schools!