“The Mighty Milers program gets my kids motivated for the day," says Richard Reiss, who coaches third to fifth graders at P.S. 197Q in Far Rockaway. "Exercising first thing in the morning gets them focused for their studies, and the benefits build from there. When they do better in school—and run well—they feel better about themselves. NYRR running programs give kids opportunities to discover a lot about themselves. They learn to eat healthy and stay in shape, and they get to experience new things in life that they wouldn't have access to otherwise."

Grownup runners often remark that running has transformed their lives. And thanks to NYRR youth programs, our favorite sport is also transforming schoolkids' lives. Vernon Scott, whose son Demian was one of the first to enroll in the Mighty Milers program at P.S. 107 in Brooklyn, has witnessed those positive changes firsthand. Demian was already active in rugby and soccer, but it wasn't until he started running that his parents saw a spark in him. "He developed a confidence I didn’t see before," says Scott. That confidence allowed Demian to soar: Last spring, he ran in the Chicago Nationals, where he won the 1500-meter race. His proud parents were there to capture the moment.  "In the big picture, even if he never runs another step, he'll have that confidence for the rest of his life."

Lauren Pittaresi, 12, runs with NYRR's Young Runners at St. John Villa Academy on Staten Island—not far from the start of the ING New York City Marathon. In 2010, she got to accompany the elite athletes to the starting line—a big responsiblity, and a really exciting one. "Being on a Young Runners team has changed my life—and even fulfilled a dream," she enthuses. "My dad and I watch the marathon together every year and it's always exciting, but being chosen to escort the elite runners to the marathon start line was one of the greatest moments of my life. I know that through running I will have many more 'Greatest Moments' in my life, and I look forward to all of them."