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VRC Community · Chicago

Get kids running. Build the village.

VRC uses running and movement to raise confident kids, support families, and strengthen the communities we live in.

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A group of runners crossing a street in Pilsen, Chicago, past a bright mural that spells out Pilsen.

About

Youth runners come first.

Youth runners are our main priority. As we grow, we hope to expand our programs.

VRC Community NFP is a Chicago nonprofit founded on the impact running can have on young people. We believe every runner deserves access to proper gear, training and nutrition, and to a community that shows up for them.

For the community, by the community, across Chicagoland.

  • Youth firstWe sponsor young runners with the gear and support they need.
  • 501(c)(3)VRC Community NFP is a tax-exempt nonprofit.
  • ChicagoServing kids and families across the Chicagoland area.

Our pillars

Four ways we move the mission forward.

Everything we do comes back to these four commitments.

  1. Program

    Get kids running

    Youth runners first, with more programs as we grow.

  2. Community

    Build the village

    Schools, families and community partners working together.

  3. Awareness

    Tell the story

    Sharing what happens when a neighborhood runs together.

  4. Sustainability

    Fund the mission

    Careful fundraising, finances and governance, so the work lasts.

What we do

From the first mile to the finish line.

  • Youth running

    Youth run program every Wednesday at Dvorak Park through Venados Run Club. A parent or guardian comes along, keeping the whole family involved and a part of the community.

  • Gear scholarships

    Scholarships for proper running shoes and gear for student-athletes and cross country teams, so cost is not the reason a kid stops running.

  • Growing who we serve

    As we grow, we hope to expand who we serve.

A smiling young runner wearing race bib 140 stands arm in arm with an adult runner in a park.

Get involved

There is a place for you here.

All paces and all people are welcome. Here is how to jump in.

Want to run with a group, team or youth program?

Group runs, the racing team and the youth program are run by Venados Run Club, a separate organization. Visit their website to join.

Visit Venados Run Club