Youth Running Program

Sponsored By Hamood Law

Confidence Starts Here

8 weeks of confidence-building, fun, and movement - leading up to a 5K at the 2026 Zaman Run Walk Picnic.

Girls Registration
Boys Registration

The Let’s Move! Youth Running Program is an 8-week running program that begins on July 30, 2026. It’s for youth ages 8 to 11 and designed to inspire healthy habits, confidence, and connection through fun, movement-based sessions. Led by experienced coaches and volunteers with the Zaman Detroit Run Team, boys and girls train to complete a 5K while building life skills like teamwork, goal-setting, and self-belief.

Whether your child is new to running or already active, they’ll thrive in this encouraging, non-competitive environment.

For 2026, we are excited to welcome both boys and girls to the program!

Please note that participants will be divided into separate boys' and girls' groups for all sessions with dedicated coaches and volunteers for each.

Ages
Girls aged 8 - 11 years
Boys aged 8 - 11 years

Dates
Thursday Group Sessions
July 30 — Sep 17

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Time
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

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Location
Lindbergh Elementary School Track

500 N Waverly St, Dearborn, MI 48128

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Some things to expect with the program

How It Works

The program includes one in-person session every Thursday from 6–7 PM, starting July 30 through September 19.

Each in-person session is designed to be fun, supportive, and engaging. Girls and boys can expect a mix of warm-ups, running-based games, short group runs or walk/run intervals, and cool-downs. Our coaches lead short conversations each week focused on themes like confidence, goal-setting, teamwork, and positive self-talk. The sessions are non-competitive and tailored to meet each participant where they are at, with plenty of encouragement and high-fives along the way.

In addition to the weekly meetups, participants receive a simple, age-appropriate training plan with two additional sessions to complete at home each week. Parents, siblings, and friends are encouraged to join in those at-home runs or walks, making it a fun and healthy activity for the whole family.

Race Day Experience

The program concludes with a celebratory 5K run/walk at the Run Walk Picnic on Saturday, September 19. Girls and boys will run or walk the distance they trained for, cheered on by family, friends, and the community. Each participant receives a Let's Move! program shirt and finisher medal.

Cost & Registration

The registration fee is $65, which includes:

  • 8 weeks of coached training sessions

  • Entry into the Run Walk Picnic 5K for the participant

  • Let's Move! program shirt

  • Finisher medal

At least one parent or guardian must also register for the Run Walk Picnic, and the whole family is welcome to join the fun by registering as well.

Need-Based Assistance Available

We want every girl or boy to have the opportunity to participate in the Let's Move! Youth Running Program. If the registration fee is a barrier, we offer limited financial assistance. Complete this form to get started.

All requests are confidential and reviewed promptly. We’ll do our best to ensure cost isn’t a reason to miss out.

FAQ

  • The program is open to girls and boys ages 8 to 11. No prior running experience is needed - just a positive attitude and a willingness to try!

  • In-person sessions are held every Thursday from 6-7 PM at the Lindbergh Elementary School Track, beginning July 30 and ending September 17.

  • The fee covers the full 8-week training program, a program t-shirt, a finisher medal, and entry into the Run Walk Picnic 5K on Saturday, September 19.

  • Yes. We believe every child should have the chance to participate, regardless of financial circumstances. We offer limited need-based assistance. To request support, please fill out this short form. All requests are confidential.

  • Each in-person session includes warm-ups, running games, short group runs, and fun conversations focused on confidence, teamwork, and goal-setting.

  • Participants will receive a weekly plan with two additional training sessions to complete at home. These can be walks or light jogs, and family members are encouraged to join in to make it a fun bonding experience.

  • To ensure a quality experience with plenty of individual support, the program is limited to 24 girl and 8 boy participants. We recommend registering early to reserve your spot.

    Because this will be our first season with a boys group, we have decided to start with a smaller cohort.

  • Yes - at least one parent or guardian must register for the Run Walk Picnic. Additional family members are welcome and encouraged to register as well to support their participant on race day.

  • We understand that things come up! Participants are allowed to miss up to two in-person sessions during the 8-week program. However, we strongly encourage attending all sessions to get the most out of the experience and build consistency toward completing the 5K.

  • Absolutely. The program is non-competitive and inclusive. Girls can walk, run, or do a combination - whatever makes them feel successful and accomplished.

  • Comfortable athletic shoes, a water bottle, and weather-appropriate clothing. We’ll provide the rest!