ING Run for Something Better

ING Run For Something Better is helping kids become fit through free, school-based running fitness programs.  By awarding grants, funded through your donations and fundraising efforts, ING Run For Something Better’s nonprofit program introduces kids to the benefits of running, physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices, and makes it fun and rewarding for them, too.

Children learn that their reward comes in achieving their goal, in “not quitting” and in “trying harder”. They learn that they can avoid childhood obesity and improve their overall wellbeing at the same time. And they aren’t the only ones telling us about the sense of accomplishment they feel when complete a culminating running event and accomplish their goals.  


Educators are raving about the program’s impact on youth fitness, too:

”When the program started, some of the students couldn’t even complete one lap around, which is ¼ of a mile. Now many can run three or more. The fitness — and attitude — improvements we’ve seen have really been remarkable.” –Principal Melissa Wolin, Palms Springs Middle School

"...for almost every child, this program [ING Run For Something Better] opened the door to a new world of fitness, goal setting, and perseverance." –Dr. Jayne Greenberg, District Director of Physical Fitness and Health Literacy, Miami-Dade County Public Schools

“[ING Run For Something Better] has changed so many individuals beyond my wildest dreams – diabetics, hearing impaired students – made stars out of under achieving students, and the list goes on.” –Jackie Sparber, Volunteer in Miami

Statistics showcase the outstanding success of ING Run For Something Better:

• Since this initiative began, more than 60,000 children have participated in programs funded by ING Run For Something Better.
• Collectively, these children have logged over 2 million miles!
• Nationally, ING Run For Something Better has committed over $2.5 million to school and community organizations that support running initiatives. 
• In the fall of 2006, ING Run For Something Better created the Orange Laces campaign – a public fundraising campaign that encourages everyone to show their support for youth fitness.
  • When someone donates $10 or more, ING Run For Something Better gives them a special pair of orange shoelaces as a symbol of support for youth fitness and running programs in schools.
  • 100% of the net proceeds from the orange laces donations go directly to ING Run For Something Better running fitness programs.