YMCA STRIDE Boy’s Running & Character Fitness Program

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 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/i3jPcwS7wKtL8Pnk7)

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 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/wF8v79wwijuykWcf9)

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