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, Oct 7- Wednesday, Nov 18
UIS STRIDE 5K - 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