ING Run For Something Better in San Francisco
Program Overview: The IRFSB program is a 12 week program within the San Francisco Unified School District middle schools during their PE classes and some after-school programs. Each participant runs approximately 156 miles throughout the program. The curriculum has four phases and each week has a key focus; nutrition, stretching, breathing, pacing, running attire and beginning runner suggestions. The children keep training logs and are provided evaluation from their coaches. Their participation benefits life skills, role modeling and accomplishments.
The IRFSB culminating event is held separate from the ING Bay 2 Breakers race. The event is in Golden Gate Park on Thursday before the ING Bay to Breakers race. The IRFSB participants run a four kilometer course to complete their running programs. Transportation, lunches, t-shirts, finisher medals, and entertainment are provided to the participants at the event.
Beneficiaries: The Staples Center Foundation implements the IRFSB program in the San Francisco Unified School District. The program currently targets seventh grade students in 15 middle schools.
Statistics:
- In 2009, over 1,500 children in San Francisco schools ran a total of 241,800 miles.
- In 2008, over 1,500 children in San Francisco schools ran a total of 234,000 miles.
- In 2007, over 1,100 children in San Francisco schools ran a total of 171,600 miles.
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Essay Contest: Congratulations to the essay winners in the San Francisco program; Carmen Ma, Marina Middle School, Jason Nemerovski, Claire Lilienthal Alternative School, Prudenence Sax, Claire Lilienthal Alternative School. Read what they had to say about participating in the ING Run For Something Better program:
"I love running because I discover a lot about myself. I have learned that whatever goal I set, I try my hardest to meet that goal. In the beginning of the meets, I had doubts that I was going to get first, but I believed in myself and I completed that goal." - Carmen Ma
"I have learned a lot about myself through running. I discovered a true passion for running, which came as a surprise- but it has become truly genuine. Running really allows me to stop and make me think about things, such as when I'm confused about something: I just think it through when I run- the answers just come freer to me than when I am standing still." - Jason Nemerovski
"Running isn't about being the fastest, or being the person with the gold medal hung over your neck, but about being the gold medalist in your heart. Everyone can run if they try. A hard workout is different for each individual, whether it's running to the corner store or running a couple of miles. For me, a run is anything I make it. When I run, there's always the thought in the back of my head 'should I go easy today?' If I didn't have my friends running beside me, I probably would go easy more often." - Prudence Sax
