Youth Run NOLA

After 11 unforgettable years, Jon has made the decision to step down as Executive Director of Youth Run NOLA.

“When I first joined Youth Run NOLA, I had never even completed a 5K. Over the past eleven years, our young people, families, coaches, volunteers, staff, board members, donors and partners have shaped a journey filled with purpose, growth, and countless finish lines.

It has been an incredible privilege to watch young people grow into leaders and be part of a community that believes so deeply in their potential. While my role is changing, my love for Youth Run NOLA never will.

As we begin our next chapter, I’m excited to share that Brenna will serve as Interim Executive Director. Her leadership, compassion, and dedication to our mission make her the right person to guide Youth Run NOLA forward. I also hope you’ll continue supporting Brenna, our staff, volunteers, and most importantly our young people as we look ahead to an exciting Season 17.

Please join us in thanking Jon for eleven years of leadership and wishing him the very best in his next chapter.

We are so excited to welcome three brilliant women to their new roles at Youth Run NOLA!

Interim Executive Director: Brenna has stepped into this role to continue on her journey with YRN (starting way back in 2018!). She has held nearly every staff role within the organization, as well as many years of coaching and training alongside youth. Brenna is excited to continue to serve this community that she loves.

Board Member: Dr. Maya Jones is a pediatric emergency medicine physician and founder of Deeply Rooted Wellness, a nonprofit focused on fostering Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) that promote individual and communal healing among youth. She joined the Youth Run NOLA Board because she believes every child deserves the opportunity to build confidence, resilience, and belonging.

Board Member: Ashley Griffith is a dedicated community volunteer and nonprofit professional who has worked with children and families in educational, volunteer, and nonprofit roles for many years. She is proud to serve on the Youth Run NOLA Board and support its mission of empowering youth through running, mentorship, and community.

Please give a warm welcome to Brenna, Maya, and Ashley as they gear up for our Season 17 🤗

What a season!

Season 16 brought miles, medals, movement, smiles and countless moments worth celebrating.

We served 400+ youth across 15+ schools and park sites, supported by 40+ coaches, completed 7 races, and welcomed hundreds of young people to move, grow and connect through running and walking.

Thank you to every youth, coach, volunteer, family member, donor, and supporter who made this season possible.

Season 16, you were super sweet and we’re excited for next season!

🎉 Happy Global Running Day!

Today, we’re celebrating movement, community, and the young people who move with Youth Run NOLA all season long.

Celebrate movement your way by choosing your distance and making your impact:
$5 = 5K
$10 = 10K
$13 = Half Marathon
$26 = Marathon
$50+ = Ultra Supporter

Every gift helps keep running and wellness opportunities free and accessible for young people across Greater New Orleans.No starting line required. Just movement, community, and impact.

Donate today and help us reach our $1,000 Global Running Day goal!

DOMATE HERE : https://bit.ly/4fpgf7e

Next week is Global Running Day!

At Youth Run NOLA, movement means more than miles, it means confidence, connection, wellness and community for young people across Greater New Orleans.

This Global Running Day, we’re celebrating the young people who move with YRN all season long and inviting our community to help us reach our $1,000 fundraising goal through distance-inspired gifts that help keep our running and wellness programs free and accessible.

Choose your distance:
🏃 $5 = 5K
🏃 $10 = 10K
🏃 $13 = Half Marathon
🏃 $26 = Marathon
🏃 $50+ = Ultra Supporter

No starting line required, just a chance to celebrate movement and make your impact.

You’re welcome to kick off the celebration by donating today!
http://bit.ly/4x0NmEP

🎉 Save the date!

Global Running Day is Wednesday, June 3, and Youth Run NOLA is excited to celebrate the power of movement with our community.

Whether you run, walk, cheer or move in your own way, we hope you’ll join us.

Stay tuned for ways to celebrate and get involved!

Grateful to the and for inviting Youth Run NOLA to be part of such a meaningful event and for giving us the opportunity to connect with the community.

Jon, along with Youth Captains RJ and Brayden, had a great time sharing about Youth Run NOLA, the impact of our program and how movement, mentorship, and community can create opportunities for young people across Greater New Orleans.

RJ and Brayden also stepped up in a big way sharing their experiences, talking about the program’s impact, and inviting folks to join our fun Spin the Wheel movement challenge.

We’re always proud to see our youth leaders using their voices, sharing their stories and representing the YRN community.

WHAT IS YOUTH RUN NOLA?
Youth Run NOLA is more than running.

We bring together community building, youth development, and health & wellness to create opportunities for young people to grow both on and off the course.

Through mentorship, movement, and meaningful connections, we help youth build confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community.

Every mile has purpose, and every step moves us forward together.

WOW! We’re so thankful for this community.

YOU all showed up in a powerful way for our youth this GiveNOLA Day.

Thank you for believing in the power of wellness, opportunity and support for the young people of Greater New Orleans.

We truly couldn’t continue showing up for our youth without your support.