About WRTC Youth Marathon Program
The We Run This City Youth Marathon Program (WRTC) strives to teach young people to set and achieve goals by becoming part of the Cleveland running community and preparing them to run in the Union Home Mortgage Cleveland Marathon. But crossing the finish line is just the beginning! Students leave the program with greater self-confidence and enhanced youth resiliency skills.
WRTC is a 12 to 22-week program where individual teams are formed at schools and are led by teachers or volunteer coaches with assistance from YMCA coaches. The teachers/coaches are responsible for scheduling practices, submitting extensive paperwork, and ensuring that their teams attend pre-race events (kickoff, conditioning clinic, and practice races). WRTC offers the students a training schedule (which includes a nutrition component) that allows them to cover the distances necessary to be prepared to run in the Union Home Mortgage Cleveland Marathon.
A WRTC student does not have to be an athlete to participate in this program. Our goal for each student is completion rather than competition. WRTC is a collaboration between the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the Warrensville Heights City Schools District and the Union Home Mortgage Cleveland Marathon.
Forming a Team
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Individual teams are formed within Cleveland Metropolitan School District and are led by teachers, volunteer coaches, YMCA coaches and peer mentors.
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The teachers/coaches are responsible for scheduling practices, submitting the necessary paperwork, tracking the student's conditioning, and ensuring all students attend required pre-race events.
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A We Run This City student does not have to be an athlete to become a participant in this program. Our goal for each student is completion rather than competition.
Sponsor a Team
Students do not pay to participate in the program. The shoes, T-shirts, medals, and race fees are provided for free to every participant. Program staff undertake continued fundraising efforts to fully support the students. Thanks to the support of the program's corporate and private philanthropic communities who recognize the value of youth in Cleveland running, We Run This City Youth Marathon Program has continued to serve Cleveland for 12 years.
Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of We Run This City's mission. Volunteer opportunities include:
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Assistant Coaches
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Team Managers
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Race day registration
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T-Shirt/goody bag distribution
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Refreshments
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Runners, Pacers, Sweepers
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Traffic Control
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Cheering Squads
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Water Stops
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Finish Line
Learn more
Contact:
Michael Carter