Storytime with Kids of STEEL invites children to imagine themselves crossing the finish line
PITTSBURGH — P3R’s free, award-winning youth fitness program, Kids of STEEL, has launched its first-ever book: Storytime with Kids of STEEL. This one-of-a-kind reading adventure blends storytelling and movement to inspire children to dream big, stay active, and build healthy habits early.
Each Storytime with Kids of STEEL tale follows an everyday kid on an imaginative journey filled with excitement, encouragement, and meaningful life lessons. Every story invites young readers to step into the adventure by replacing “KID” or “Cape KID” with their own name, transforming reading time into a personal, empowering experience.
“Storytime with Kids of STEEL transforms our mission of inspiring any and all to move into a story children can truly see themselves in,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “By engaging kids early through storytelling, we’re helping spark confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of movement that extends far beyond the finish line.”
Written by the Kids of STEEL team, the book features playful illustrations paired with real photos from Kids of STEEL programming and race day experiences—helping readers imagine themselves crossing the finish line. Designed for classroom story time, bedtime reading, and early elementary readers, Storytime with Kids of STEEL encourages children to discover the joy of movement and the power of believing in themselves.
“Storytime with Kids of STEEL allows us to reach our Youngest MOVERS at a time when imagination, curiosity, and habits are just beginning to form,” said Amy Scheuneman, senior vice president of youth programming at P3R. “As Kids of STEEL continues to expand into daycares and preschools, this book helps us introduce movement, confidence, and goal-setting in a fun, age-appropriate way.”
Kids of STEEL now reaches more than 350 schools and organizations across Pennsylvania and beyond, motivating kids and families to get moving together. Each year, more than 30,000 children participate in the program, with many celebrating their accomplishments at the Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon—the largest youth running event in the U.S.
Storytime with Kids of STEEL is available for purchase here. All proceeds from the book directly support Kids of STEEL’s mission of inspiring kids of all ages to move. In 2025 alone, P3R invested more than $90,000 in Kids of STEEL and Movement grants and awarded an additional $26,000 through P3R Board of Directors scholarships.
For more information about Kids of STEEL, click here.
About Kids of STEEL
Kids of STEEL is P3R's free, award-winning training program that helps motivate kids and their families to get moving together. The program is available to individuals at more than 350 schools and community organizations in Western Pennsylvania and beyond. In addition to the Kids of STEEL program, P3R keeps kids of all ages moving through races for every age, resources, opportunities, and support of running clubs and teams.
Learn more at kidsofsteel.org.
About P3R
P3R is the region’s go-to premier sporting event and experience expert. While best known for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R organizes up to 20 major events every year. With a rich history of working with top-tier clients such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Senior Games, and more, P3R brings operational excellence to every aspect of event planning and execution. As part of P3R’s non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming - including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL program, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more - that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.