Guardian Striders: American Leadership Academy Run Club

A youth run club at American Leadership Academy, where kids build confidence, fitness, and friendships one stride at a time, coached by an ISSA-certified running coach.

What Is Guardian Striders?

Guardian Striders is a seasonal run club that gets kids moving in a fun, supportive, and safe environment. Through games, drills, and progressively longer runs, students build endurance, coordination, and a lifelong love of being active, while learning teamwork, goal-setting, and perseverance. No experience needed; every runner is met where they are. Over the season, kids build from short walk/run intervals all the way to finishing a 5K (3.1 miles) on race day, and every finisher earns a medal.

The Season

One simple registration per child covers the full season.

$80

Per child · one season

Tue & Thu

After school at ALA

Sep 15

Season begins · Fall 2026

Dec 12

Santa Run · race day

Open to students in grades 3–6. The Fall 2026 season runs Tuesdays & Thursdays after school at American Leadership Academy, beginning Tuesday, September 15, 2026 and building toward the season-ending Santa Run 5K on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 9:15 a.m. at Strictly Running on Devine Street. Led by ISSA-certified head coach Rusty Painter. Registering more than one child? Just choose the matching option at checkout. The full season schedule is shared with registered families.

How to Register

Register & Pay

Reserve your child’s spot: $80 per child. Set the number of children at checkout.

Complete & Sign

Fill out the registration and emergency info, choose your child’s t-shirt size, and sign the parent/guardian waiver.

Show Up & Run

Bring your runner in comfortable clothes and sneakers. We’ll handle the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need running experience?

No. Guardian Striders is built for total beginners. We start with short walk/run intervals in the first week and build gradually. Any student who shows up consistently will be ready to finish the 5K on race day.

What grades can participate?

The club is open to students in grades 3–6 (roughly ages 8–12).

When and where does it meet?

Tuesdays & Thursdays after school at American Leadership Academy, beginning Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Each session runs about 35–50 minutes.

How long is the season?

About 12 weeks, meeting twice a week, ending with the Santa Run 5K on Saturday, December 12, 2026.

What exactly is the 5K?

A 5K is 3.1 miles. It’s a community race, a celebration, not a competition. Every finisher earns a medal, walking is always allowed, and we don’t focus on times or placement. Crossing the finish line is the win.

What should my child bring?

Supportive athletic or running shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a full water bottle at every session. No special gear needed.

What does it cost and how do I register?

$80 per child for the full season, registered right here on the site. Registering more than one child? Just choose the matching option at checkout.

What about safety and weather?

Coaches supervise every session. Practices may be shortened or moved indoors for extreme heat (heat index above 95°F) or lightning within 10 miles; rain alone won’t cancel. Please note any health conditions when you register.

Ready to join the pack?

Spots are limited. Reserve your child’s place in Guardian Striders today.

Questions? Email coaching@l2endurance.com