Let Me Run St. Louis

Let Me Run is a nonprofit wellness program that inspires boys to be themselves, be active, and belong. With a comprehensive curriculum that applies the power of running, the program encourages boys to develop their psychological, emotional and social health, in addition to their physical health.

Twice a week for seven weeks, two trained volunteer coaches lead an elementary or middle school team through practice. Designed to amplify confidence, self-expression, and respect for others, each practice includes a lesson from the Let Me Run curriculum that incorporates running, games and activities. Each fall and spring season culminates in a 5k race festival that celebrates the boys' personal growth.

We hope to reduce the challenges associated with a lack of emotional expression in pre-teen and teenage boys, which can lead to stress, sickness, disease, addiction, and violence. After every season, family, friends, and teachers are astounded by the transformation each boy makes. Let Me Run boys leave the program with a sense of accomplishment, a deeper belief in self, and a greater appreciation for their peers.

A 2016 independent study conducted by University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Institute to Promote Athlete Health and Wellness finds Let Me Run is making a substantial positive impact in boys' lives. A review of the professional literature revealed UNCG's groundbreaking study to be the first published to examine healthy masculinity in boys, as well as a program's ability to improve it.

"Let Me Run nurtures the types of meaningful bonds and connections that can prevent the deadly epidemic of loneliness we're seeing in society today," states Let Me Run Founder Ashley Armistead. According to US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, "loneliness is associated with increased risk of premature death, and the effect on mortality is comparable to [the] impact of smoking or obesity." Armistead says, "Let Me Run gives boys permission to be compassionate, confident human beings with a full set of emotions. UNCG's study backs our belief that through running and healthy communication, we can challenge society's limiting Boy Code and inspire boys to live into their full, unique potential."