Blog

P3R Launches 4RUN2 Varsity to Motivate Teens to Move

The free fitness program offers middle and high schoolers running workouts and training guides for P3R’s calendar of running events, including this fall’s virtual EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler

PITTSBURGH – P3R has launched a free fitness program for middle and high schoolers called 4RUN2 Varsity. Adding to P3R’s robust programming to motivate any and all to run, 4RUN2 Varsity will offer workouts and training plans for P3R’s calendar of running events that are appropriate for teenagers of all abilities.

“We hope to inspire more teenagers to get moving and give them the tools to build fitness skills, find motivation and instill confidence to stay healthy and active for life,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “Building upon our investment in local cross country programs, 4RUN2 Varsity will help us expand our reach and support teenagers of all fitness levels with their running goals, whether they are trying to set a school record or are running their first 5K.”

4RUN2 Varsity is the perfect next step for kids who have graduated from P3R’s award-winning Kids of STEEL program and are looking for their next fitness goal. Since 2011, more than 50,000 children have completed P3R’s free youth training program. Through 4RUN2 Varsity, P3R hopes to keep those kids interested in running and moving throughout their teenage years.

“As Kids of STEEL participants get older, they are embracing the love of running and are looking for their next challenge,” said Leslie Turis, P3R Director of Youth Programming. “4RUN2 Varsity is the perfect next step and will provide them with the support and motivation that they need to keep moving.”

4RUN2 Varsity offers participants, coaches and families the resources and knowledge to train safely as teens increase their mileage and run longer distances. The program will include instructional workout videos, running workouts, tips for improving running form and running safely, training plans and more.

“Once kids start the Kids of STEEL program, they stay in the program, and having something like 4RUN2 Varsity will help to keep them running,” said Steph McFerron, a Kids of STEEL coach. “As kids start running longer distances, they start to need more instruction such as proper running form, wearing the right shoe and how to train properly.”

The first official 4RUN2 Varsity event will be the virtual EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler. Teenagers can use the 4RUN2 Varsity 10-week training plan and then run the virtual 10-mile race anytime during the month of November. All participants will receive the first-of-its-kind Pittsburgh Celebration box (with a retail value of more than $100), as well as their finisher’s medal and quarter-zip tech race shirt. 4RUN2 Varsity also will have training plans for the 2021 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events, including the 5K, Relay and Half Marathon.

“I'm thrilled with the idea of 4RUN2 Varsity,” said Katie Kinnamon, a P3Rrunner. “My hope for the program is that the students who feel that they don't have a place at the start line or think they're not fast enough to be a part of cross country feel that they are home within the program.”

For more information about 4RUN2 Varsity, click here.

About P3R
P3R is the engine behind Pittsburgh’s greatest races. We strive to inspire any and all to run with us. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R runs a variety of other high-quality races, events, and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation’s highest-profile professional athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. Anyone and everyone is invited to #RUNwithP3R! Read more at: P3R.org

FACEBOOK: RUNwithP3R   TWITTER: @RUNwithP3R INSTAGRAM: RUNwithP3R