INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Aug. 1, 2023 — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Brooks Running are pleased to announce a partnership to promote the lifelong benefits of running to high school students through Brooks’ “Future Run” initiative.
The partnership begins August 1, aligning with the launch of Brooks’ “Future Run Team Grant Program.” Through this initiative, Brooks will donate more than $1 million in products and cash to 50 underfunded high school teams during the 2023-24 school year. Schools can apply for a team grant starting today using the following link: www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/programs/team-grants.
Brooks launched Future Run in March with a goal of reaching one million young runners in the United States with a $10 million investment over the next five years. While track and field remains among the top high school sports for participation, Brooks and the NFHS realize the potential to connect with more athletes and students by promoting the lifelong benefits of running.
“High school track and cross country teams are often young people’s introduction to running,” said Alaina Fuld, Senior Manager for Communications and Community Impact at Brooks. “Whether they’re taking their first strides or aiming for a team championship, we’re here to support them.”
As part of the partnership, Brooks and the NFHS will work to promote high school participation in running during both the fall cross country season and the spring track and field season. Brooks will also continue its “Inspiring Coaches” program, which annually recognizes high school track and cross country coaches who go above and beyond for their athletes.
“The NFHS is proud to partner with Brooks to inspire millions of young runners to become more active,” said NFHS CEO Dr. Karissa Niehoff. “High school participation in track and field and cross country remains high across the country, and the Future Run Team Grant Program is an excellent initiative to help schools properly equip their athletes.”
According to the 2021-22 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, track and field is the most popular high school sport for girls with more than 450,000 participants and second most popular for boys – behind only 11-player football – with nearly 570,000 participants. An additional 420,000 boys and girls combined participate in cross country at the high school level.
About the National Federation of State High School Associations
The NFHS, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the national leadership organization for high school sports and performing arts activities. Since 1920, the NFHS has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and performing arts activities that help students succeed in their lives. The NFHS sets direction for the future by building awareness and support, improving the participation experience, establishing consistent standards and rules for competition, and helping those who oversee high school sports and activities. The NFHS writes playing rules for 17 sports for boys and girls at the high school level. Through its 50 member state associations and the District of Columbia, the NFHS reaches more than 19,500 high schools and 12 million participants in high school activity programs, including more than 7.6 million in high school sports. As the recognized national authority on interscholastic activity programs, the NFHS conducts national meetings; sanctions interstate events; offers online publications and services for high school coaches and officials; sponsors professional organizations for high school coaches, officials, speech and debate coaches, and music adjudicators; serves as the national source for interscholastic coach training; and serves as a national information resource of interscholastic athletics and activities. For more information, visit the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org.
About Brooks Running
Brooks Running creates market-leading performance footwear, apparel, run bras, and accessories distributed to runners worldwide. Brooks’ purpose is to inspire everyone to run their path by creating the best gear, tools, and experiences. Founded in 1914, the company continues to deliver accelerated product innovation and engagement with runners, walkers, and everyone who puts one foot in front of the other. Brooks is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Visit www.brooksrunning.com for more information or follow @brooksrunning.
