Healthy Athletes, Healthy Futures
We believe that athletic participation is a foundation for success in life. Kids who play sports have higher self-esteem, greater self-confidence, better academic outcomes, less obesity and are less likely to use drugs. Grounded in the work of pioneering physician Kevin L. Armstrong, the Armstrong M.D. Memorial Sports Foundation provides running shoes, race fees, transportation and support to help kids reach their full potential. Since 2005, over 16,000 students have been benefited from our all-volunteer programs including our RunStrong running clubs which train and equip students to successfully compete in and complete 5k and 10k races. Join us by sponsoring a student! Your gift of $200 will provide:
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Upcoming Events
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RunStrong Upcoming Race Alert - Dino Dash Sunday, November 5, 2023
The Dino Dash will return to The Market Place on Sunday, November 5th. Sponsored by KAMSF, RunStrong participants will join runners from all over Orange County to compete in the 5k. Comprised of student athletes from the Santa Ana Unified School District, RunStrong is now one of the largest running clubs in Orange County. Sponsor a student or join us in the Team Area to volunteer. KAMSF - providing opportunities for Santa Ana students to excel athletically and academically. |
Runstrong Upcoming Race Alert - Santa Claus for a Cause, Saturday, December 16, 2023
The Santa Claus for a Cause 5k/10k will return to the Historic Bolsa Chica State Beach on Saturday, December 16th. RunStrong participants will join Holiday revelers turned runners from all over Orange County to compete in this festive event that features Christmas Carolers, holiday themed music, costume contests and much more! Comprised of student athletes from the Santa Ana Unified School District, RunStrong is now one of the largest running clubs in Orange County. Sponsor a student or join us in the Team Area to volunteer. KAMSF - providing opportunities for Santa Ana students to excel athletically and academically.
The Santa Claus for a Cause 5k/10k will return to the Historic Bolsa Chica State Beach on Saturday, December 16th. RunStrong participants will join Holiday revelers turned runners from all over Orange County to compete in this festive event that features Christmas Carolers, holiday themed music, costume contests and much more! Comprised of student athletes from the Santa Ana Unified School District, RunStrong is now one of the largest running clubs in Orange County. Sponsor a student or join us in the Team Area to volunteer. KAMSF - providing opportunities for Santa Ana students to excel athletically and academically.
News
KAMSF 2023 Inductee into SAUSD's Athletic Wall of Fame
On September 18, 2023, KAMSF, along with 7 exceptional individuals, was inducted into the SAUSD's "Athletic Wall of Fame" at the Santa Ana Public Schools Sports Complex. This award is usually given to individuals, making KAMSF the first organization of receive this honor. Please click here for more photos
On September 18, 2023, KAMSF, along with 7 exceptional individuals, was inducted into the SAUSD's "Athletic Wall of Fame" at the Santa Ana Public Schools Sports Complex. This award is usually given to individuals, making KAMSF the first organization of receive this honor. Please click here for more photos
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KAMSF Annual ASICS Shoe Distribution
One of the highlights of the year is the Annual KAMSF Shoe Distribution. Since 2018, the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation has provided a generous grant to provide deserving students with new, high quality ASICs Running shoes - shoes that allow students to race with confidence and pride. Over the years, close to 3,000 pairs of shoes have been purchased and distributed to RunStrong students. |
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RunStrong is now one of the largest running clubs in Orange County and dominated the "Santa Claus for a Cause" 5k/10k at Bolsa Chica State Beach on Saturday, December 17th. Over 250 runners from Santa Ana competed in the festive, holiday themed race with many placing first in their age groups. Thanks to all the parents who helped to distribute snacks, water, Christmas headbands and candy canes!
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KAMSF presents our Winter 2022 RunStar Featured Student Runner Priscilla Van BusKirk
Priscilla is an active, a well-rounded senior at Segerstrom High School. As a student athlete, not only is she focused on doing well in her AP and Honors classes, but achieving athletic excellence competing in Cross Country, Soccer and Track & Field. As early as the 5th grade, Priscilla discovered a love for running and often found herself outrunning both girls and boys during recess. At MacArthur Intermediate School, she was introduced to Cross Country and to Coach David Diaz, coordinator of the RunStrong Program at the time. |
Coach Diaz encouraged her to join RunStrong and Priscilla participated in the program during her 6th, 7th and 8th grade years. Not only did she participate, but she was also an admirable student leader encouraging other students to always do their best and to never give up. Her love for running and championship spirit grew as she competed in RunStrong sponsored events where she often placed in her age category, outrunning youth from all over Southern California.
As the oldest of her siblings, Priscilla is driven to excel academically and athletically in order to create a positive role model for her younger sisters just as other family members created for her. Her family values education and she strives to do her best in all areas of her life understanding that with hard work, determination and dedication you can not only reach your goals but exceed them. Priscilla would like to pursue a degree in Political Science and English with a goal of attending Law School.
The Kevin Armstrong MD Memorial Sports Foundation... encouraging and supporting academic and athletic excellence. Congratulations Priscilla!
As the oldest of her siblings, Priscilla is driven to excel academically and athletically in order to create a positive role model for her younger sisters just as other family members created for her. Her family values education and she strives to do her best in all areas of her life understanding that with hard work, determination and dedication you can not only reach your goals but exceed them. Priscilla would like to pursue a degree in Political Science and English with a goal of attending Law School.
The Kevin Armstrong MD Memorial Sports Foundation... encouraging and supporting academic and athletic excellence. Congratulations Priscilla!
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KAMSF presents our Fall 2022 RunStar Featured Student Runner Kiara Padilla
9-22-22 - Kiara began participating in the RunStrong Program as a 6th grader at Mendez Fundamental school after hearing about the program from her older brother. Kiara was a focused, disciplined runner during her three years with Runstrong and now runs 5k races on a regular basis. In fact, the program introduced her to the joys of running and to the benefits of seeing her hard work and training pay off in faster times race after race. |
In addition to RunStrong, while at Mendez, Kiara participated in Cross Country and Track & Field. Post-Pandemic, she won the 8th grade Cross Country race by almost a minute and also placed first in the 1-mile and the 800-meter Track & Field events. As a well-rounded student athlete, she was also part of the first place Girls Soccer Team and the first place Girls Basketball team during her 8th grade year. Now a 9th grader at Segerstrom High School, Kiara is continuing her athlete pursuits and she was the first Jaguar to cross the finish line at the City of Santa Ana High School Cross Country Meet at the varsity level. Kiara’s goal is to take advantage of her running ability and continue to earn excellent grades in order to receive an athletic scholarship to attend college and become a veterinarian. The Kevin Armstrong MD Memorial Sports Foundation...encouraging and supporting academic and athletic excellence. Congratulations Kiara!
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RunStrong 2021-22 ReCap: We came back Strong!
After 2 years of virtual challenges and drive-through activities, RunStrong students were excited to participate in local running events again. The Kevin Armstrong MD Memorial Sports Foundation sponsored over 600 runners from Santa Ana in three events: the “Dino Dash”, the “Santa Claus for A Cause” Run and the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation’s “Reaching for the Cure” race. At each event, RunStrong was the largest team registered with the most enthusiastic runners! Read more. |
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"Thank you so much for being with us in every race and for supporting everyone in RunStrong and for buying us those shoes. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have been able to run in the 3 races. Thank you so much for the shirts and bags. ". ~ Eric, McFadden Intermediate School