Run This Town

Good afternoon!

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Elissa and I am the Senior Program Director at the Beaumont Centre Family YMCA and I love to run!!!  Last fall, the YMCA began a running program for youth/teens ages 10-18.  We wanted to do something for youth/teens who could use some encouragement in their lives and a role model to look up to because there are so many who do not have that in our world today.  So with the help of some local Lexington runners, Johns Run/Walk Shop and the YMCA, we were able to start a program called Run the Streets (this season’s name had to be changed to “Run this Town” as the former name is copyrighted!).  We had 14 youth/teens sign up and complete the program.  We met every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday to train for a local 10k.  Friendships were built, endurance increased, self-confidence went through the roof and everyone was changed.  All the volunteers were saying that they were being changed more than the kids!  It was truly inspirational!!  

 

Each youth/teen will receive a free pair of running shoes (purchased at John’s Run/Walk Shop) after they have completed a certain amount of weeks with the program, a free team Dri-fit shirt (purchased at John’s Run/Walk Shop), free registration for the 10k and friends for life.  We wanted the program to be free, but the youth/teens have to earn it as well.  So this past season we said they had to show up and participate “x” amount of times and then we ordered shoes for everyone.  Each participant did complete the allotted sessions and received the shoes as well as finished the 10k!  You can find photos of the program on our Facebook page at Beaumont Centre Family YMCA under the Run the Streets album.

 

So the reason I’m writing you all today is to ask if you could pass this along to your running groups so that we can have more volunteers for our program!  We’ll be starting Monday, March 12 at Castlewood Park out on the North end of town off of W. Loudon Avenue.  We are offering it on that side of town again because we are hoping to have youth/teens from that area participate.  We meet every Monday and Wednesday from 6-7pm and on Saturdays we meet from 8-10am.  Every adult volunteer is paired up with a youth/teen to grow a friendship.  Whether you can do all 3 days or just 1 day, any amount of time will be helpful.  The 10k we will be training for is on Saturday, May 19 in Danville, KY.  As volunteers, you will also receive a free Dri-fit shirt and race entry to the 10k.

 

I understand that some people may want to help, but will not have the time to give.  We are also looking for people who are willing to give financially to the program.  Last fall, thankfully I was able to receive a grant that allowed the Y to fund everything.  Unfortunately this season I do not have that grant to work with.  Anyone who is interested in making a tax deductible contribution, please contact Elissa at 859-219-9622 x.15 or eroycraft@ymcaofcentralky.org 

 

Thank you so much and please feel free to ask me any questions!

 

Elissa Roycraft

Senior Program Director

Beaumont Centre Family YMCA

859.219.9622 x. 15