It’s been an amazing year for the SCR Youth Series. The 2025 – 2026 season kicked off in August at Viera High School where we set a new single race attendance record of 284 kids participating. That was a 22.9% increase over the previous record of 231. In fact, the entire season set participation records at all 6 races – in total 583 kids attended one or more races.

The Youth Series, presented by Runner2Runner Foundation, is designed to make running fun and accessible. It’s free for children 12-years old and younger. The focus has been on inclusion and participation, rather than competition. Race distances are age-based with a big emphasis on fun and positive energy. And it’s all put on by our Youth Series coordinator, Lauren Malfitano and volunteers.

The kids who completed the Ran All Races Challenge this season are invited to Celebration Night in June to receive their personalized Challenge Backpacks. 84 kids qualified this year, up from 38 last season! “The excitement around the Youth Series has been growing every year, but this season was something truly special. Watching these young athletes and their families at every race, the energy, the encouragement, the smiles, it never gets old. We are so proud of every single one of them. None of this would be possible without the incredible athletes, families, volunteers, sponsors, and SCR members who show up and make this program what it is. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, said Malfitano.

What parents are saying:

“I found out about this program via Facebook. I can’t say enough good things about this series. My sons have absolutely loved getting the experience of racing, comparing their times to their previous runs, seeing their photos, etc. They each love running around the inside of the track while a brother is racing to shout encouragement and help keep pace. It’s been fun to see them compete and have such a blast doing it.” – Carrie S., Mom

What’s next?

The upcoming 2026 – 2027 Youth Series will launch this September. All six (6) of the races will be held at one location – Viera Middle School’s track. We’re hoping this will add continuity to the program and the new school has a great setup that we think will work really well for the kids and parents.

Lisa Helm, who has volunteered for the last two seasons, will take over the reigns as the Youth Series Coordinator. She brings a lot of enthusiasm and organization strengths which will only further the program.

How YOU can support the SCR Youth Series:

• Mark your calendar for August! Our Support Our Youth Series initiative makes it easy to help – shop our Amazon wish list and directly support our young athletes.
• Consider becoming a volunteer this season. Sign ups will open on August 10th online. It’s 2.5 to 3 hours of your time on a Saturday – you choose which races to volunteer at.
• Sponsorship – would your business consider becoming a Series sponsor? Please email youth@spacecoastrunners.org today and we’ll send you the 2026 – 2027 sponsorship packet.

Many thanks to Runner2Runner, Wilderman Malek Attorneys at Law, volunteer photographer, Keith Snodgrass and to all the many volunteers who gave their time this past season. We couldn’t have done it without you!