Click Here to Sponsor A Youth

The Go For the Gold 10K and Fiesta 5K Fun Run have teamed up with RunTex to sponsor the Go for the Gold Born to Run youth running program for at-risk East Austin youth.

Participants receive a pair of new running shoes courtesy of RunTex, a special race tee shirt and an extended race training program in conjunction with their schools and RunTex. The program culminates in the youth's participation in either our Go For the Gold 10K or Fiesta 5K Fun Run, in which each youth participates like any other racer and is eligible for prizes just like anyone else. Youth who may have never participated in a competitive event will have a great, new experience of what it's like to run in a real race. It's a great way to learn goal-setting and celebrate achievements!

March 2006 was the second year of our program and our program quadrupled! Almost 400 youth participated from Pickle, Jordan, Metz, Oak Springs, and Blanton elementary schools as well as KIPP Austin College Prep.

Students that participated tended to perform better in school, improve their level of self-confidence and have less referrals for behavior issues. They also enjoyed the challenge and benefits of training on a regular basis, and being part of the excitement on race day! Inspired by the youth, many teachers and families also began working out too.

In March 2007, students from these schools will participate once again in our program. We anticipate this to be the biggest year yet.