Damascus Freedom Youth Summer Running Program

Damascus Freedom 5k is partnering with MMA & Sport once again to run a free Youth Summer Running Program starting June 15, 2023.


Program facts:

  • This is a free program for kids of all ages that are both pre-registered by 6/14 and attend the first session at Woodfield ES on 6/15 at 6:00pm.  Participation in the initial session on 6/15 is mandatory.  Kids will be evaluated at the initial session and will be appropriately grouped.  We will also have a parent orientation.

Click HERE to register.

  • Any kids that cannot attend the first day can arrange an alternative time to meet to be evaluated for a group.  There will be a $10 charge for these kids.  Kids that show up on the first day but are not pre-registered by 6/14 will be charged $5 to register onsite.  All money collected will be allocated toward running/timing equipment.  

  • The program will target the Damascus Freedom 5K to be held on 9/9/23 at Damascus Regional Park, however registration for this race is not a requirement.

  • It will include a challenging, age appropriate conditioning component provided at MMA & Sport on Fridays that will complement the conditioning that will be gained on run days.
  • Subsequent run sessions will be held on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:00 pm or a little later depending on the group assignment, conditioning will be on Fridays at 6:00.

  • This program will require community support. If you are able to help out, please let me know. We can't go it alone!

  • I will ask parents on a rotating basis to supply popsicles to all the younger kids at the end of their session. Schedule TBD.

  • Each child must have a responsible adult present to sign a waiver prior to beginning their first session. Please be patient on the first day as we go through the initial waiver process. We don't want this to be time consuming

  • The overriding goal of this program is to give kids an opportunity to work and as a result of that work find something they didn't think they had. We hope they will register for the 5K, something many younger kids normally wouldn't consider possible. Of course with some work, we know it is. Confidence built through achievement is a good thing.

This program was inspired by a group of mostly 5/6 year olds who in 2013 started running a little at each baseball practice and had great and unexpected results. The first summer we learned that kids as young as four are extremely capable. TWO of the four year olds with no prior running experience ran a 5K without stopping by the end of the summer.  In our second year two of the kids that completed the 5K were three years old!  In 2015 two new four year olds trained during the summer and completed the 5K.  In 2016 two new three year olds completed the 5K.  In 2017, over 30 kids from the program completed the 5K.  In 2019 two more 4 year olds and nearly 40 other kids of all ages completed the 5K without stopping.  Another batch of 3/4 year olds as well as lots kids of all ages completed the 5K in 2020.  Over 60 kids completed the 5K in 2021.  Another 50 completed it in 2022 including two 4 year olds.  We are realizing that kids can make spectacular gains. If you have any questions, please contact me at damascusfreedom5k@gmail.com.




Youth summer running program

Youth summer running program

Youth summer running program

Youth summer running program