Run for Life was formed by local citizens for local kids and tasked with providing a healthy, positive experience for kids to participate in running/walking as a lifetime exercise.

There has been a tremendous increase in the percentage childhood obesity which when combined with the significant increase in the cost of local athletic programs, has caused a need for some low-cost alternative for the kids of Santa Barbara County.

Run For Life is a Non-profit kid-focused club focused on illustrating the joy of running, good citizenship and participation to the youth of Santa Barbara County.
We strive to take the ‘elitist’ component out of running and bring the activity back to its roots…enabling kids to participate in a lowest cost athletic activity that they can do for life. No expensive gear or equipment. Just kids willing to learn and wanting to have fun.

Run For Life Mission:
Santa Barbara County’s Run-For-Life program is a non-profit organization focused on getting Santa Barbara County Kids introduced to running as a gateway to better health and an activity that they can do for life.

-We stress learning the proper techniques of running in a fun, safe, supportive environment.

-All kids ages 8-18 regardless of ability, physical ability or skill are welcome to participate! - We work to minimize or eliminate the costs for kids and their family’s associated with getting fit and participating.

Our Run-For-Life Program Goals include:

  • Let kids experience the joy of running and good citizenship.

  • Introduce them to other kids in a positive social and
     athletic environment.

  • Build self esteem and confidence in their physical abilities.

  • Minimize or eliminate the cost of participating in local athletics.

  • Give kids the coaching, motivation and skills enough to view running as
    something that they can do for fun and to stay fit for the
    rest of their lives.

Here is our current cost allocations:

  • Insurance to cover 1 child for 1 year: $15

  • Awards, Participation ribbons, medals, certificates of recognition:
    $2 per child per month

  • Communications, website maintenance and documentation:
    $2,000 per year.

  • Total annual program cost estimate (Based on 200 kid participants)
    $9,800 or $4 per child per month. That is the least expensive child
    program available in Santa Barbara County. For that expense, the kids
    get weekly training on how to run, awards and recognition for
    participation and the opportunity to begin an athletic activity that
    they can do for life.

We hope that you consider contributing to our effort to enable local kids to participate, gain esteem and become for fit for life.

Please do not hesitate to contact us or any board member or better yet, stop by for a cup of coffee and I will be glad to explore any ideas you may have. Thanks so much for your consideration!

Regards, Berkeley ‘Augie’ Johnson-Board Member
Come join us and Run-For-Life!