Teens Run Westchester (originally known as Teens Run Yonkers or TRY)  was launched after founder Robert Grabel’s firsthand experience with the power that exists at the nexus of running and mentoring.  While running the last stretch of the Philadelphia Marathon, Robert was inspired by the dedication and perseverance demonstrated by a group of teenagers as they were made their way towards the finish line.  These teens received cheers and encouragement from enthusiastic adults - their mentors - as they inched towards their end goal.     
 
Robert learned that this inspiring and motivated group was part of Students Run Philly Style (www.studentsrunphilly.org)  which trains over 1,000 students per year to participate in the Philadelphia Marathon.  The program is a highly successful replication of Students Run LA  (www.srla.org).  Since 1989, more than 39,000 students have completed the Students Run LA (SRLA) Marathon Training Program and it continues to grow each year.    

In 2010, a small and highly committed group of runners and mentors began training in and went on to complete Yonkers Half Marathon. Community interest and support grew significantly in 2011 with participation increasing to nearly 75 teens that came from both schools and neighborhood youth organizations.    The 2012 season was a turning point with participation growing to more than 200 students due to relationships with 3 high schools in Yonkers as a middle school.     TRW has continued to thrive under the strategic leadership of our board.  The organization worked closely with several groups of teens from the Youth Shelter of Westchester in 2013 and 2014 with the program culminating in participation in the Rockwood Ramble. 

Teens Run Westchester is excited to take its next exciting step with the launch of a nine month pilot program with one of Westchester's High Schools.    Stay tuned for details....