Empowering lives one stride at a time
We empower the mental health and wellness of young people for life through the power of running and play
Run4Fun promotes mental health and wellness through our specially designed socio-emotional curriculum. We partner with schools and communities to provide in-school and after-school programs, creating a supportive space where youth can stay active, build resilience, and thrive both on and off the track.
What We Do
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School-Based After-School Programming
We collaborate with schools to design programs that best fit their needs. Our socio-emotional curriculum promotes mental health, confidence, and emotional regulation through running and play-based activities. Students build leadership skills, manage stress, and stay active, fostering their growth and well-being. Work toward individualized goals and opportunities to run competitive and non-competitive running races.
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During School -PE Enhanced & Recess Programming
Run4Fun collaborates with schools during the school day, as a NYC DOE Vendor to tailor our PE Enhanced & Recess Programming, to best serve the children and the school community, including our Specialized Support for Migrant Communities. Our inclusive approach addresses the unique needs of children, empowering children to build resilience, form connections, and thrive emotionally and physically.
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Train The Trainer Program
Run4Fun can come to you wherever you are! At Run4Fun, we empower schools and organizations with the tools to deliver our socio-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum through running and play-based activities. Our "Train the Trainer" program equips all school staff, including physical education teachers, and coaches, to integrate our program that unites physical activity with SEL principles, promoting mental health, resilience, inclusion, and holistic wellness for youth.
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Girls' Program
Our girls' program empowers young women through running and a tailored socio-emotional curriculum. We focus on building confidence, fostering leadership, and promoting mental health in a supportive, all-girls environment. Participants develop emotional resilience, set goals, and nurture their physical and emotional growth.
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Weekend Program in Prospect Park
Our Sunday program takes place in Prospect Park, offering participants the chance to stay active through running challenges, leadership activities, and socio-emotional learning. These sessions promote mental health and fitness in a fun, outdoor setting, helping young people continue their personal growth outside of school.
A child's idea set everything into motion.
Our Story
The story of Run4Fun began with the personal experience of our founder, Nicoletta, and her then seven year old son, Panagiotis. Panagiotis, like many children, loved to run and play, but he struggled with anxiety, especially around competition. Nicoletta, marathon runner and social worker, saw firsthand how running promoted her own mental health, and encouraged him to join a running program. Panagiotis said, “No Mama, but if you lead it, I will join”. Nicoletta saw a great need for a supportive, inclusive environment that would address both physical and mental wellness, and started Run4Fun with her son and his friends, now reaching young people throughout NYC.
We invite you to be a part of our journey. Whether as a participant, volunteer, donor, or partner, your involvement can help us continue to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. Together, we can create a space where empowerment, mental health, and socio-emotional wellness are at the forefront.
Empowering lives one stride at a time
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Empowering lives one stride at a time 〰️
Innovative Pathways: Enriching Youth Development through Arts, Nature, and Culture
We enrich the lives of young people through our educational enrichment destination runs. Our young people learn through the arts, nature, and visits to cultural establishments throughout the city, such as the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, the Metropolitan Museum, and the Met Opera. With the exploration of experiences diverse forms of expression and creativity, we provide young people with the opportunity to explore and discover their own passions and talents.
The combination of arts, movement, and nature is therapeutic, inspiring, and enriching for our young participants, fostering their growth and creativity. Our programs are designed to provide a holistic approach to learning, encouraging personal development and a deep appreciation for culture and the natural world.
Run4Fun goes to the races! We believe running enhances mental and socio-emotional well-being, builds resilience, and develops life skills like perseverance and goal-setting. Our nurturing coaches ensure every runner feels valued. We cheer for each other, celebrate finish lines together, and have a lot of fun. With every race, we pave paths to increased self-esteem, youth development, and a love of running, creating lasting bonds and cherished memories one stride at a time.
Run4Fun Goes To The Races
The friendships formed during these times create a supportive network that extends beyond the race course. Each stride towards the finish line represents dedication, hard work, and the unwavering support and cheering of peers and mentors.