Run Your City Comes to Irvine

Run Irvine is a new chapter of Run Your City, a national nonprofit working to make running and movement accessible for all kids, no matter their background or ability level.

The organization partners with college student-athletes to lead free, inclusive programs in communities across the U.S and internationally.

Run Your City launched in 2018 as a small, student-led initiative. Since then, it has grown into a network of 50+ university chapters, serving thousands of children every season.

While each program is local and community-driven, all chapters follow the same model: six weeks of running-based games, team-building, and mentorship, all led by passionate student-athlete volunteers and designed to build confidence, connection, and joy.

Run Irvine just wrapped up its very first season this spring, welcoming 146 kids for weekly sessions alternating between practices and race days. The program was led entirely by UCI student-athletes, who created an energetic and supportive space for every child to feel seen, included, and celebrated. Kids left the season with new friendships, more confidence, and one big question: When does next season start? The answer is late September!

Parents interested in registering their children can sign up here, and anyone who would like to support the Irvine program can contribute to the volunteer team’s fundraiser here.