About Our Programs

RunStrong
“Come out and join in the Make Room for Santa 5k!” “Okay! Where?” About thirty-five 12 and 13 year-olds got onto the bus by 5:30 a.m. on a chilly December morning in 2010. Many had never been to The District in Tustin. They came in whatever clothes they had — and in whatever footwear they had. They lined up in front at the start line … and were off! Running along the streets of The District, past the huge hangers, our kids ran their hearts out. Why? Because they were part of something new! They had joined RUNSTRONG, the after school running club at their intermediate schools that began in October, 2010. Sponsored by the Kevin Armstrong, M.D. Memorial Sports Foundation, the RUNSTRONG Program was off to an exciting start — just like the runners!

Since then, the RUNSTRONG program has flourished. During the 2024-25 school year, an average of 250 RunStrong students from seven different Intermediate Schools competed in four running events throughout Orange County including the "Dino Dash" in Tustin, "Santa Claus for a Cause" at Bolsa Chica State Beach and the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation's "Reaching for a Cure" run in Irvine. In addition to covering the cost of all registration fees and a RunStrong Team T-shirt, students who successfully complete RUNSTRONG program requirements receive a new pair of ASICS running shoes.

Congratulations to all of our students who placed at the various races, earning medals and other awards. A SPECIAL THANKS go to our VOLUNTEER running coaches and The Orange County Youth Sports Foundation. Go RunStrong!!! 
RunStrong PreRace Drills
Participants in RunStrong register for local 5k and 10k races, and all costs are covered by KAMSF.  Track Athlete, Raul Chavez, has created the custom video of drills designed to help prepare runners for events.  Raul is a Senior at Cal State Fullerton, where he is majoring in Film and Television Arts.  An avid runner, his relay team with the Pacific Coash Shockwaves held the USATF 4x800m for the age group of 13-14 years old. At Eleanor Roosevelt High School, he also had the distinction of being invited to the Nike Cross Nationals and is the only athlete to have attended state finals all four of his  high school years.  Thank you, Raul, for this awesome instructional video!
Innovative Events and Partnerships

In addition to our ongoing programs we create meaningful athletic events to support students including:
  • Shoe and gear distribution events
  • 2021's Go F.A.R. Program connecting kids under COVID lockdown via app-based virtual running programs
  • Scholarships for student athletes
  • Participant parent and family community building events - including a trip to Downtown Disney
  • Group beach runs and running coaching events  
  • Participation in one of racing's premier annual events, the Southern California Half Marathon & 5k in Irvine, California
  • Participation in local fundraising events including the Make Room for Santa 5k, Dinosaur Dash 
  • Participation in intermediate school tournaments supporting girls volleyball, boys flag football, boys and girls soccer, basketball, and track & field
For more information download our 2024 Newsletter.
Meet Our RunStars!
Thank you to the many sponsors, volunteers, administrators, faculty and friends who help to make all of our programs possible!
“I'm glad I joined this running club. My time for the Cinco de Mayo 5k Race was 20 minutes and 3 seconds. I want to thank the Armstrong Foundation for everything that you have given us". ~ Eric, McFadden Intermediate School