Right to Run Program
Creating safe and accessible running spaces for all communities.
The Problem
How can PS 32 in the Belmont/Tremont community of the Bronx, with limited resources, create a sustainable walking and fitness program that can help their elementary school students, teachers and parents establish a positive and lifelong relationship with health?
The Data
Belmont's elementary school absenteeism rate of 35%, is higher than the rate for NYC overall. Living in high-poverty neighborhoods limits healthy options and makes it difficult to access quality health care and resources that promote health. In Belmont 31% of residents live in poverty, compared with 20% of NYC residents.
A quarter of Belmont and East Tremont children in grades K through 8 have obesity. This is higher than the citywide rate of one in five. While adult obesity rate is 36%, which is higher than the rest of NYC. The TCNY 2020 goal is to reduce the obesity rate to less than 23% citywide. The rate of diabetes in this community is higher than the NYC average. The rate of hypertension is similar.
Our Community-Focused Solution
- • In direct response to the physical health needs of Bronx elementary school students, we've used an equity lens, data and a train the trainer model to design an adult and youth-based physical activity program that combines walking with fitness to help teachers, students and families reconnect with their community.
- • Establish a customized tracking database using Garmin's wearable fitness technology, to measure the success and impact of the program, considering each teacher's, student's and each of their family's specific capacity to participate as a result of a severely traumatic past two years.
Programming Components
Provide Year-Round Training
Technical assistance and support for PS 32's teachers, students and their families on the FUNdamentals of fitness.
End Of Year Culminating Event
To include On Track Field Day, where On team members and track athletes assist in facilitating track events and activities for elementary school-aged children.
10,000 Miles In 1 School Year
Incorporating year-round AM fitness before school program for teachers (Year 1), students (Year 2) and their families (Year 2 and 3). School-wide metric attached to run-jog-walk program.
Increase Physical Activity Engagement
And opportunities for teachers, students and their families to learn and practice healthy behaviors throughout the school day in their community.
Measure The Physical Health Impact
Measure the physical health impact of walking and physical activity using Garmin's fitness tracker and technology.
Community-Centered Approach
To physical activity programming that camouflages fitness with fun, engaging activities that they can do at school or at home with their family.
Provide Year-Round Training
Technical assistance and support for PS 32's teachers, students and their families on the FUNdamentals of fitness.
End Of Year Culminating Event
To include On Track Field Day, where On team members and track athletes assist in facilitating track events and activities for elementary school-aged children.
10,000 Miles In 1 School Year
Incorporating year-round AM fitness before school program for teachers (Year 1), students (Year 2) and their families (Year 2 and 3).
Increase Physical Activity Engagement
And opportunities for teachers, students and their families to learn and practice healthy behaviors throughout the school day.
Measure The Physical Health Impact
Measure the physical health impact of walking and physical activity using Garmin's fitness tracker.
Community-Centered Approach
To physical activity programming that camouflages fitness with fun, engaging activities that they can do at school or at home with their family.
Our Impact
During the program year, we collected data from PS 32 to ensure targeted outcomes which includes:
10,000 Miles
School-wide initiative to run-jog-walk 10,000 miles in 1 school year, creating a collective goal that unites the entire school community.
1,500 Lives
Potential to impact the lives of 1,500 individuals including teachers, students and their families over the course of three years.
25% Increase
Increase physical activity time by 25% in Year 1 of programming to help improve the mental health and wellness of the PS 32 community.
Community Reconnection
Document how teachers, students and their families are re-engaging and reconnecting to their school post pandemic.
Right to Run Funding Supports
Technical Assistance
Year-round technical assistance, support and training for PS 32 staff and teachers to help build out the logistics of the program.
Case Study Report
End of school year case study report that addresses the impact of the program on the PS 32 community.
Sustainability Model
Create a sustainability model for the run-jog-walk program that will become a staple for the school's wellness initiative.
Equipment Resources
Resources, such as proper fitting running sneakers and attire for participating PS 32 team members that are consistently participating in program.
Special Events
Participation in non-traditional fitness events such as Empire State Building Stair Climb.
Track Field Day
End of Year Track Field Day, sponsored by On, where PS 32 elementary school students and teachers can show off their running and physical activity skills.