New York, May 2, 2016—The application for New York Road Runners’ (NYRR) Mighty Milers youth running program for the 2016-2017 school year is now open online at STRIDES.nyrr.org. NYRR Mighty Milers is NYRR’s flagship youth running program and the largest free youth running program in the country, providing kids from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade with the opportunity to run and develop a love for physical fitness. The application is available online through the enhanced and easier-to-use STRIDES platform, NYRR Mighty Milers’ online tracking platform for laps and miles, built by NYRR’s Premier Partner, TCS.

“Each of our NYRR youth runners strives to run at least 26.2 miles during the school year to complete their own marathon of miles,” said Rachel Pratt, senior vice president, youth and community services for New York Road Runners. “We look forward to getting an early start this year for the first time, opening applications in May rather than September. We are excited to both welcome back returning schools and community centers and register new sites across the country—all through our enhanced STRIDES platform. We are truly fortunate to have terrific partners like TCS who share our commitment to make running more accessible and fun for all.”

Over the course of the year, kids in NYRR Mighty Milers set goals to run a certain distance and earn rewards for reaching milestones along the way, including special medals when a marathon of miles is completed for the first and second times.  NYRR Mighty Milers is easy to implement, and has a flexible structure to fit the unique needs of individual sites. NYRR provides logistical, motivational and training support so that teachers and administrators can run the program at any school or community center.

TCS, NYRR’s year-round Premier Partner, the title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, and the official Youth and Community Partner of NYRR, worked together with NYRR to build STRIDES. The opening of the NYRR Mighty Milers application marks the official re-launch of the enhanced/improved and easier-to-use STRIDES platform.

 “TCS is a passionate supporter of fostering health and wellness among America’s youth,” said Surya Kant, President of North America, UK and Europe, TCS. “The STRIDES platform is an example of how TCS is partnering with NYRR to use technology to enhance the encouragement and recognition of running, hopefully creating a culture of achieving milestones and improved wellbeing in NYC and across the U.S.” 

The improved user interface of STRIDES will make it quicker and easier for schools and community centers to enroll in NYRR Mighty Milers, and track their students’ progress, including miles ran and sessions held. Teachers and administrators can enroll students, update mileage, and see their students’ progress and rewards earned at a glance.

The enhanced system also has the functionality for teachers and community program leaders to register for NYRR events, including NYRR Youth Jamborees presented by Tata Consultancy Services, NYRR Youth Running Series events, and other annual youth running events.  

More than 200,000 students are served locally and nationally through free NYRR youth running programs, events, and resources. When participating, students get fit, build self-esteem, learn good sportsmanship and healthy habits, and make friends. Of the 200,000 students served nationally, approximately 120,000 are in New York City’s five boroughs..

About NYRR 

Founded in 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, whose mission is to help and inspire people through running. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, youth running initiatives, school programs, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit nyrr.org.