STRIDE Boys Character Education & Running Program

Success, Teamwork, Respect, Inspiration, Determination = Excellence in character. Stride is similar to the well-known girls running program. Open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade boys, this afterschool activity meets twice per week for 10 weeks. Each session focuses on a different topic like bullying or sportsmanship using open discussion, games and running exercises to teach real-life lessons. The boys finish their season with a 5K.

2026 Fall Season

Dates: Sept 8 - Nov 16

2026 Fall Season Locations

Blessed Sacrament School
748 W Laurel St, Springfield IL
Eligible Students: Boys grades 3-5
Days: Mondays & Thursdays 3-4:30 pm
Dates: Thursday, Sept 10 - Monday, Nov 16
BSS STRIDE 5K with Girls On The Run, Saturday Nov 14, 10 am at Lincoln Land Community College

UIS/YMCA STRIDE
University of Illinois Athletic Center, 2171 University Dr, Springfield Il
Eligible Students: Boys grades 3-5
Days: Wednesdays 5:30- 7:00 pm
Dates: Wednesday, Sept 16 - Wednesday, Nov 18
UIS STRIDE 5K - UIS Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov 26 at UIS Springfield Campus

Kerasotes YMCA
4550 W Iles, Springfield
Eligible Students: Boys grades 3-5
Days: Tuesdays 5:30- 7:00 pm
Dates: Tuesday, Sept 15 - Tuesday, Nov 17
Kerasotes YMCA STRIDE 5K will be the UIS Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov 26 at UIS Springfield Campus

2026 Fall Season 5Ks

Blessed Sacrament School STRIDE 5K 
Saturday, Nov 14 - 10am
Girls On The Run 5K, Lincoln Land Community College

UIS/YMCA STRIDE 5K
Thursday, Nov 26 - 8am
UIS Turkey Trot, UIS Springfield Campus

Kerasotes YMCA STRIDE 5K 
Thursday, Nov 26 - 8am
UIS Turkey Trot, UIS Springfield Campus