Kids Run Flagstaff

Team Katherine Switzer

“To foster enthusiasm for an active lifestyle through running. KRF strives to instill a love of the sport & the value of healthy choices, in a fun and encouraging community. KRF offers a quality experience for youth in 5th through 12th grades, regardless of school

affiliation or ability level.”

Emily Babcock, Brooke Eekhoff, Dan Kowalski, Morgan Nells, Hannah Petersen

Public Relations Campaign 2015-2016

Kids Run Flagstaff

Table of Contents

Situation Analysis Goals & Objectives Strategy & Tactics Media Kit

Fact Sheet Backgrounder Press Releases

Nationals Press Release

Under Armour Sponsorship Press Release

Registration Event Press Release

4th of July Run Press Release Social Media Calendar Mock Social Media Posts

Instagram Facebook Runner Profile Facebook Healthy Lifestyle Tip

Kids Run Flagstaff

Situation Analysis

Kids Run Flagstaff began when Gary and Kari Plank’s cross-country team wanted to continue running after the season was over. When other kids started to join the impromptu running club, Kari and Gary realized their club had potential and could become a legitimate running program that fostered the love of running and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. In September of 2013 they approached the board members of Team Run Flagstaff and proposed making KRF an actual running program TRF could offer. Since then KRF has been in existence for two years with 65 members between 10 to 18 year olds who love running and living a healthy lifestyle, regardless of their skill level.

The mission of KRF is, “to foster enthusiasm for an active lifestyle through running. KRF strives to instill a love of the sport & the value of healthy choices, in a fun and encouraging community. KRF offers a quality experience for youth in 5th through 12th grades, regardless of school affiliation or ability level”. KRF’s head coach Gary Plank promotes a healthy lifestyle through three training methods, Lydiard, Greg McMillan, and Jack Daniels. The main training method that KRF focuses on is Lydiard, which is a four-phase training that helps with aerobics, speed, running hills, and how to rest properly. With that, Gary Plank acts as a role model for the kids of KRF by exemplifying a love of the sport of running. Gary has been running for over 40 years and with in his age group has made the USATF Masters All-American standard in the 800m, 1500m, 3000m, and 5K-road race.

KRF is one of the three programs offered by TRF. Currently, TRF consists of Team Run Flagstaff Pro, Step Into Running, and KRF. At practices Team Run Flagstaff Pro will have some of its professional runners assist the kids in their training and share their passion for running. TRF Pro is the organization’s new elite team supporting local developing, national-class, and world-class distance runners. In 2014, 13 athletes, including Olympians Ryan Hall and Janet Cherobon-Bawcom, were included on the roster. Through this organization of elite runners, KRF is able to receive an Under Armour sponsorship that covers them in head to toe gear at no cost. Nick Arciniaga, who serves as a TRF assistant coach, is inspiring the young runners. While teaching them the love the sport, he is instilling the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Nick graduated from Cal State University with a degree in accounting. Since college he has been a member of U.S. national teams and placed 17th and 8th at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Trials in the marathon. Nick is the 2013 U.S. marathon champion.

Kids Run Flagstaff

KRF wants all kids who love to run or who want to learn how to run, to join the year-round running program. With the use of the Lydiard, McMillan, and Jack Daniels training programs, the kids learn how to run correctly, while also being safe. With KRF being a program that is a part of TRF Pro, Olympians often train the kids and world-renowned runners like Nick Arciniaga. KRF also holds mini clinics where they bring in sports chiropractors and nutritionists to provide the kids with tips on how to stay healthy while running. With the kids surrounded by coaches and volunteers that have a passion for the sport of running, it is hard for the kids not to learn to love running as well. KRF strives to bring a love of running to all kids in the Flagstaff community.

TRF began in 2006 as a community-running program directed by legendary Coach Jack Daniels. TRF was affiliated with the Olympic Training Site and the Center For High Altitude Training. Originally TRF was called Team Altius, based on the Olympic motto, “Citius, Altius, Fortius,” which translates to “Swifter, Higher, Stronger.” The Center for High Altitude Training Center closed in 2009. But member interest, love of the program, and the efforts of a core crew including founding Coach Mike Smith kept it alive. In 2010, the community running group reinvented itself as Team Run Flagstaff. This change opened the running program to people of all ability levels and interests. Utilizing organized training, expert coaching, and educational workshops, the group cultivates an atmosphere allowing elite runners and beginners to share the same track. TRF isn’t about competing against each other, but instead pursuing individual goals with a sense of camaraderie. Social events and volunteer opportunities propel this camaraderie and build an even stronger sense of community.

There are currently 65 kids participating in Kids Run Flagstaff including their parents that volunteer regularly. TRF Pro members help with the kids training, and nutritionists, sports chiropractors, and psychologists from the community educate the kids on healthy practices.

The current outreach efforts of KRF are mostly through word of mouth of the parents and kids in the program. There is currently a website and a Facebook page that KRF utilizes to engage its publics. KRF’s social media presence is light, and a little stagnant. Most of the posts on KRF’s Facebook are photos taken by the families of the members. TRF and TRF Pro use their social media presence to promote KRF’s participants in races, and supporting the kids in their pursuit of a passion for running. Beyond social media, KRF also engages the community through fundraisers with local Flagstaff businesses such as Chipotle where 50% of your purchase would benefit KRF.

Kids Run Flagstaff

The main marketing objective is to increase the number of participants in the program. Currently there are 65 kids in KRF, and the desire is to increase that number to over 100 kids. In addition to increasing the number of participants in KRF, we will increase the parent and community involvement. Our goal is to increase involvement in KRF by focusing on the benefits of the healthy lifestyle that the membership provides. Engage young people and their guardians in stories about TRF and KRF runners who find a love for the sport of running, through social and traditional media.

Kids Run Flagstaff

Goal & Objectives

I. Increase the awareness and engagement among the Flagstaff community with KRF through sharing their mission of fostering a love of running and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The community will be engaged through the use of fundraisers, flyers, brochures, social media, and traditional media. Through the use of profiles and success stories of KRF’s kids and parents that exemplify the mission of KRF, the community will know about the running program, how it is family oriented, and all the great benefits it has to offer.

1. Local Media

Objective Description: Obtain media coverage about KRF’s mission through publishing press releases about TRF and KRF that showcases sponsored races within Flagstaff, KRF’s participation within the Junior National Olympics, and the benefits KRF has to offer to its members. Target Measure: 15 Media Hits Measure Date: December 31, 2016

2. Membership

Objective Description: Engage the Flagstaff community through the social media sites Facebook and Instagram, local media by publishing press releases, distribution of fliers and brochures, and sponsored events. Target Measure: Increase KRF membership from 65 to 100 Measure Date: December 31, 2016

3. Instagram

Objective Description: Create an Instagram account to reach out to the younger generation who could be potential KRF members. Post images of KRF runners, meets, races, and upcoming events. Target Measure: Create an Instagram and have 200 followers Measure Date: December 31, 2016

4. Facebook Objective Description: Increase the engagement with parents and runners through Facebook by posting weekly training and nutrition tips, posts about upcoming events, pictures at races, and profiles of TRF and KRF runners that can be shared and liked. Target Measure: Increase Facebook followers from 77 to 200 and the post reach by 30-50% Measure Date: December 31, 2016

Kids Run Flagstaff

Strategy & Tactics

I. Increase awareness and engagement among the Flagstaff community through traditional and social media outlets. Traditional media will consist of press releases about KRF’s events, successes, and what TRF has to offer to KRF members. Social media will utilize Facebook and Instagram to exemplify the mission of KRF through posting member profiles and success stories, health tips, and general information. There will be a sponsored registration event and a sponsored Under Armour event, which will be advertised through traditional and social media. Aside from sponsored events, there will be weekly social media posts. Engaging the community will make KRF widely known and participation and membership will increase.

1. Media Kit Brief Description: The Media Kit will contain the Fact Sheet, Backgrounder, Press Releases, and the Social Media Calendar intended to be distributed to the local Flagstaff newspaper the Arizona Daily Sun, the news station NAZ Today, and the magazines AZ Outdoor and Runner’s World. They will be used to give the local news media outlets information about KRF and answer any questions they may have. Deadlines: January 2016 Budget: Cost of a social media manager 2. Under Armour News Release Brief Description: This is a news release with information about the partnership of Team Run Flagstaff with Under Armour, and the benefits the Kids Run Flagstaff receives from this new partnership. It will describe in detail what TRF and KRF gains and how they are benefiting from being involved with such a prestigious company. The news release will be issued to the local Flagstaff newspaper the Arizona Daily Sun, the news station NAZ Today, and the magazines AZ Outdoor and Runner’s World. Deadlines: January 12th, 2016 Budget: 2 hours to draft and 1 hour to distribute to media outlets Special Requirements: This involves no special requirements

3. Under Armour Event Brief Description: Members of Kids Run Flagstaff will meet at a determined location and will all unwrap and receive their brand new running apparel courtesy of Under Armour. Deadlines: February 23rd, 2016 Budget: 2 hours and time and effort of volunteers Special Requirements: Having all the Under Armour gear in time, and finding a location for the event.

Kids Run Flagstaff

4. Sunnyside Up 5k News Release Brief Description: This is a news release with information about the Sunnyside Up 5k race that Team Run Flagstaff hosts. It will provide background on the event and highlight the important details. This news release will be issued to the local Flagstaff newspaper the Arizona Daily Sun, the news station NAZ Today, and the magazines AZ Outdoor and Runner’s World. Deadlines: March 12th, 2016 Budget: 2 hours to draft and 1 hour to distribute to media outlets Special Requirements: This involves no special requirements 5. Hot Summer Nights Run News Release Brief Description: This is a news release with information about the Hot Summer NIghts Run that Team Run Flagstaff hosts, and the Kids Run Flagstaff kids participate in. It will highlight the important details of the run and provide a little background on the event. This news release will be issued to the local Flagstaff newspaper the Arizona Daily Sun, the news station NAZ Today, and the magazines AZ Outdoor and Runner’s World. Deadlines: May 3rd, 2016 Budget: 2 hours to draft and 1 hour to distribute to media outlets Special Requirements: This involves no special requirements 6. 4th of July Run News Release Brief Description: This is a news release with information about the 4th of July Run that Team Run Flagstaff hosts and that Kids Run Flagstaff participates in. It will highlight the important details of the run and provide background information. This news release will be issued to the local Flagstaff newspaper the Arizona Daily Sun, the news station NAZ Today, and the magazines AZ Outdoor and Runner’s World. Deadlines: June 10th, 2016 Budget: 2 hours to draft and 1 hour to distribute to media outlets Special Requirements: This involves no special requirements 7. Snowbowl Run News Release Brief Description: This is a news release with information about the Snowbowl Run that Team Run Flagstaff hosts and that Kids Run Flagstaff participate in. It will highlight the important details of the run and provide background information. This news release will be issued the Arizona Daily Sun, the news station NAZ Today, and the magazines AZ Outdoor and Runner’s World. Deadlines: June 20th, 2016 Budget: 2 hours to draft and 1 hour to distribute to media outlets Special Requirements: This involves no special requirements

8. Nationals New Release Brief Description: This is a news release with information about Kids Run Flagstaff’s third year in the USA Track and Field Junior Olympics National Cross Country Championships in December. It will highlight KRF’s success at the USATF Junior Olympics in the past, background on the event, and the training leading up to it. The news release will be issued to the Arizona Daily Sun, the news station NAZ Today, and the magazines AZ Outdoor and Runner’s World. Deadlines: November 7th, 2016 Budget: 2 hours to draft and 1 hour to distribute to media outlets Special Requirements: This involves no special requirements

Kids Run Flagstaff

9. Facebook Brief Description: Kids Run Flagstaff Facebook page will have scheduled weekly posts every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Tuesday will consist of a post profiling a TRF or KRF runner that exemplifies a love of running and the KRF mission. Wednesday will a post that is a healthy lifestyle tip to promote the KRF mission of a healthy lifestyle. Thursday will be a post to help people get use to the KRF page and KRF in general through updates, events and practices. Deadlines: December 2016 Budget: Cost of a social media manager. Special Requirements: This requires hiring an individual to manage and post on the Facebook page. 10. Instagram Brief Description: KRF will create an Instagram account where posts will be made weekly exemplifying the KRF mission. There will be scheduled weekly posts every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, sharing practice and race pictures, upcoming events, and the kids. Deadlines: December 2016 Budget: Cost of hiring a social media manager Special Requirements: This requires an individual to be hired to manage the account. 11. Registration Event News Release Brief Description: This is a news release with information about a registration event at Buffalo Park. It will highlight the importance of the coaches involvement with KRF. This news release will be issued to the local Flagstaff newspaper the Arizona Daily Sun, and the news station NAZ Today. Deadlines: December 15th, 2016 Budget: 2 hours to draft and 1 hour to distribute to media outlets Special Requirements: This involves no special requirements 12. Registration Event Brief Description: While being Flagstaff’s only youth running program, at the event KRF will answer any questions and provide the opportunity to instill great life skills, values and promote encouragement amongst the participants. The coaches and renowned runners will tell their personal stories and the unique history of the KRF program. They will be able highlight the love of the sport and value of healthy choices in a fun and encouraging community. Deadlines: January 3rd, 2017 Budget: Time and effort of volunteers Special Requirements: This requires inviting and confirming the appearance of Nick Arciniaga and additional professional runners.

Kids Run Flagstaff

Fact Sheet

Kids Run Flagstaff

● Kids Run Flagstaff was founded in September 2013. ● The mission of KRF is “to foster enthusiasm for an active lifestyle through

running. KRF strives to instill a love of the sport and the value of healthy choices, in a fun and encouraging community. KRF offers a quality experience for youth in 5th through 12th grades, regardless of school affiliation or ability level.”

● In 2015, 65 children were enrolled in KRF. ● KRF has a yearly membership fee of $185 ● A membership with KRF provides kids with a team uniform, USA Track & Field

membership, and the opportunity to compete in various competitions. ● Scholarships are available through head coach Kari Plank for families who are

unable to afford a membership. ● In 2014 TRF covered the travel and lodging expenses for the Junior Olympic

Championship Nationals in South Carolina. ● In 2014, KRF was able to fundraise $35,000 in an effort to help cover out-of-state

travel expenses for KRF race participants. ● Practices are year-round, twice a week at 5 p.m., on Tuesday and Thursday. ● Gary and Kari Plank are the head coaches of KRF. Both have Ph.D.’s in child

psychology. ● Gary Plank has been running for 40 years and has worked as a running coach

for 30 years. ● Gary ranks first in the nation for the 5k, second in the nation for the 1500m and

holds the All-American standard with a time of 4:34 for his age group. ● Professional coaches Jack Daniels, Greg McMillian, and Arthur Lyniard inspire

Gary’s coaching tactics. ● KRF has professional sports psychologists, nutritionists, ultra marathoners, and

chiropractors attend practices. ● KRF practices involve active stretching, running on a track, speed running, and

lessons on how to avoid injury. ● KRF does specialized training in the summer, hill training in September and

speed training in October. ● Lydiard is a training method based on four phases where phase one is base

training and aerobic training, phase two is hill training and speed development, phase three is sharpening and phase four is tapering and rest.

● The Greg McMillan training system focuses on a runner's top speed, endurance, stamina, and correct sprinting form.

● Jack Daniels training involves marathon paced, threshold paced, interval paced, easy long runs, and repetition-paced runs to improve endurance, lactate threshold, VO2Max and running speed.

● KRF runners participate in a variety of running events throughout the year. ● KRF had 38 out of 45 runners qualify to go to the USATF Junior Olympics

Nationals in December 2014 in South Carolina. ● In the spring, KRF participates in the USATF Junior Olympic Track and Field

Championship.

Kids Run Flagstaff

● Entry for the USATF Championships is based on an athlete’s performance at the preliminary, association, and regional levels.

● Team Run Flagstaff organizes four races each year. ● KRF participates in the 4th of July Downtown Mile, Hot Summer Nights,

Snowbowl Hill Climb, and the Sunnyside Up 5k. ● The 4th of July Downtown Mile offers a half a mile run to kids 10 and under

beginning at 7:45am. ● Hot Summer Nights is the last week of July and first week of August consisting of

three races the 7K, 5K, and 3K ● The Snowbowl Hill Climb is a 7-mile run on the 4th week of July. ● Sunnyside Up 5k is the 4th week of April and has a 400-meter kids fun run on the

Coconino High School track. ● Contact information: P.O. Box 1801

Flagstaff, AZ 86002-1801 info@teamrunflagstaff.com

Team Run Flagstaff

● TRF is a community running program consisting of members who care about fitness, health, cross training, track workouts, social events, races, and exercise education.

● TRF is open to all ability levels and meets each Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m.

● Notable runner and coach, Jack Daniels founded TRF, in 2006 under the name Team Altius at the Center for High Altitude Training.

● Mike Smith continued Team Altius after the Center for High Altitude Training closed in 2009 and it became Team Run Flagstaff in 2010.

● Jack Daniels is known worldwide for his VDOT running calculator, which helps athletes determine appropriate training paces to reach their competitive goals.

● Vince Sherry is the current head coach of TRF and co-founder of the Run SMART Project.

● Run SMART Project provides private coaching and customized training plans to runners of all abilities.

● Team Run Flagstaff also supports organizations such as; Kids Run Flagstaff, Step Into Running, and Team Run Flagstaff Pro.

● Team Run Flagstaff’s Step Into Running program is a run-or-walk program for interested individuals who want to begin running, regardless of experience.

● Step Into Running is offered twice a year and meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Team Run Flagstaff Pro

● TRF Pro is an elite team supporting local developing, national-class, and world-class distance runners.

● In 2014, TRF Pro had a roster of 13 athletes, including Olympians Ryan Hall and Janet Cherobon-Bawcom.

Kids Run Flagstaff

● TRF Pro athletes volunteer their services back to TRF, helping in their chosen areas of expertise from coaching, nutrition counseling, and strength training, to accounting, marketing, and event planning.

● TRF Pro members often show up to KRF practices to assist in the kids’ development.

● Members of TRF Pro such as Nick Arciniaga coach and assist KRF. ● Nick Arciniaga is a world-class level runner that is a part of TRF Pro, and a TRF

assistant coach. ● In collaboration with Hypo2 High Performance Sport Center and other local

service partners, TRF Pro athletes have access to medical services and training facilities. This allows them to focus on the tasks at hand: training, competing, and furthering U.S. distance running.

● Hypo2 High Performance Sport Center’s mission is “To provide world-class, fully-integrated, altitude-based support services, training facilities, and training tools for all forms of athletes who aspire to high performance.”

Under Armour Sponsor

● TRF partnered with Under Armour in August 2015. ● “Under Armour’s mission is to make all athletes better. Our partnership with TRF

allows us to do that at a grassroots level in the sport of running, which is exactly where we want to be,” said Fritz Taylor, VP of Running Footwear, Under Armour.

● Under Armour outfits members of KRF with apparel, footwear and equipment to ensure successful cross country and track seasons.

● Under Armour sponsors members of TRF Pro, running athletes that includes world-class runner Nick Arciniaga.

● Members of TRF Pro, Team Run Flagstaff, and Step Into Running, will receive Under Armour training shirts and the brand will also serve as the official apparel sponsor for all TRF and KRF races and events.

Kids Run Flagstaff

BACKGROUNDER MEDIA CONTACT Hannah Petersen, Media Specialist Phone: 612.868.3012 Email: hip3@nau.edu

KRF Fosters A Love Of Running And A Healthy Lifestyle To The Kids of Flagstaff In the beginning, Kids Run Flagstaff started as a place for students to go after school to continue training for their sports that involved running like cross-country and track during the off seasons. At first it was meant to be a way for the students to continue training and developing their skills so they would not have to retrain themselves when their sports season started up and would be well prepared to begin running again. Through the coaching of Gary Plank the after school running opportunity started to grow in numbers and their goal had to shift to one that was more encompassing for the kids they were starting to retain. On September 2013, Team Run Flagstaff officially founded the program Kids Run Flagstaff to help children in 5th through 12th grade foster a love of running and to be educated on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle regardless of school affiliation or ability level. The coach Gary Plank and Team Run Flagstaff Pro members, like Nick Arciniaga, make KRF a quality experience by sharing their running experiences and knowledge on the subject of running. Kids Run Flagstaff offers participants a strong community based running program with quality coaching and opportunities. Students are giving the opportunity to develop a passion for running, a love for the sport and create strong friendships. KRF strives to be a family friendly program that is not a huge time commitment and can be something the whole family enjoys. An important part of the unwavering love of running, comradery, and pursuit of a healthy lifestyle amongst the KRF participants is due to Gary Plank, the KRF’s head coach, coaching philosophy and knowledge. Gary Plank has been running for over 40 years, is a certified child psychologist and has a passion for running himself. Throughout Gary’s running career he has made the All-American standard in the 800m, the 1500m, the 3000m, and the 5k. His most notable achievements are how he currently holds the USATF Masters All-American standard in the 1500m with a time of 4:34, ranking second in the nation. When it comes to his coaching he has a philosophy around running where every runner is entirely unique and there is no cookie cutter approach to running. Gary utilizes a combination of training methods from Jack Daniels, Greg McMillan, and Arthur Lydiard that have worked for him. In 30 years of coaching Gary has created a system where he breaks every month of a year into categories that they focus on like hill running, endurance, long distance, agility and more. He has also been known to connect with the students on a deeper level creating a strong bond of trust and respect that helps keep the kids happy and enthusiastic at every training session. An example of the monthly-based training regime is in the month of August where they will focus on base training, in September it is hill training, and than in October it is speed training. The success of this monthly-based training regime is shown when in December of 2014 KRF had 38 out of its 65 members qualify to go to the Junior Olympics National Cross Country meet in South Carolina. It is also common to see Team Run

Kids Run Flagstaff

Flagstaff Pro runners like Nick Arciniaga, an Olympic marathon runner, helping out at practices to help train the kids in safe running practices and reinforcing the quality of Gary Planks training regime.

At training meets, races and events KRF has stressed the participation of families because they do not want KRF to just be another sports club that takes all of the families time where they are not even able to be involved. Parents are encouraged to participate in practice even if it means they are pushing a stroll along the track and trails, or walking a dog. KRF is meant to be a small time commitment every week and a time commitment the whole family can enjoy. Through this KRF has fostered a great support from the community where they can get professional nutritionists, athletes and sports chiropractors in to help with educating the children.

KRF has optional year-round practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm on local tracks and in local park trails, a very small time commitment. When it comes to races KRF gives the students the opportunity to participate in local, regional and national cross country, track and road races none of which are required to attend. At these races it is common that the top runners are students from different schools in the Flagstaff school district but are all members of KRF and can be found cheering on their fellow KRF members till everyone crosses the finish line.

The students are coached to be in competition with themselves and to work collaboratively with their fellow KRF members to improve their running. Students learn that they should focus on beating their own personal running times not to worry about coming in first or to be the first one across the finish line. The sense of collaboration allows KRF to have a very supportive and inclusive environment where kids can learn at their own pace and can be seen cheering on fellow KRF members at school track and field or cross country meets even though they are affiliated with opposing schools. They are a community of runners who love the sport and want to see everyone succeed. Kids Run Flagstaff allows the whole family to come together and enjoy the sport of running. The facilitators of KRF foster a love of the sport, a strong community, lasting friendships amongst its members, an overwhelmingly welcoming environment where no one is judged for their skill level or the school they are affiliated with and unforgettable stories and experiences the whole family can share in. They make sure to live up to their mission statement of fostering the excitement for an active lifestyle through running, instilling a love of running and the value of healthy life choices, in a fun and encouraging community.

Kids Run Flagstaff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT (November 7, 2016) Brooke Eekhoff, Media Specialist Phone: 928.523.2232 Email: bae47@nau.edu

Kids Run Flagstaff Takes on Nationals for Third Year in a Row

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – Kids Run Flagstaff will send XX kid athletes to the 2016 USA Track & Field Junior Olympic National Cross Country Championships in December, to compete against the Nation’s best young runners. These young athletes spend the year training with assistance from world-class runners in preparation for this end of season national competition.

The USA Track and Field Junior Olympic program dates back to the 1960’s and is the most prominent youth athlete developmental program acknowledged around the world. Each year there are 70,000 total kids that participate in Junior Track and Field and Cross Country events after qualifying in preliminary, Association, and Regional meets.

In 2014, Kids Run Flagstaff had 38 of their 45 runners qualify to travel to and participate in the USATF Junior Olympics Cross Country Nationals in December in South Carolina. This was an impressive number of kids to qualify for nationals during only the second year of KRF’s existence. The runners participate in Nationals after year-round practices and a variety of other races, including the regional and state meets that train them and then qualify them for the Junior Cross Country Nationals.

In preparation for the USATF Nationals competition, the KRF kids practice twice a week and are often trained by Olympian and world-renowned runners, including Nick Arciniaga. The twice a week, year round, practices incorporate unique training techniques into the kids workouts, including methods from the Lydiard, McMillian, and Jack Daniels training programs. In addition to specific running workouts, there are mini clinics with nutritionists and sport chiropractors that share tips and tricks with the KRF kids. KRF strives to promote an active lifestyle through a quality running experience for these kids.

Head coach Gary Plank is very dedicated to the success of the young runners in KRF and states that, “every runner is entirely unique and there is no cookie cutter approach to running”.

Kids Run Flagstaff works to foster enthusiasm for an active lifestyle through running. KRF strives to instill a love of the sport and the value of healthy choices, in a fun and encouraging community. KRF offers a quality experience for youth in 5th through 12th grades, regardless of school affiliation or ability level. Kids Run Flagstaff was founded in 2013 and has a yearly membership fee of $185 per kid. To find more information visit the KRF website http://www.teamrunflagstaff.com/programs/trf-kids/ or contact the organization by email at info@teamrunflagstaff.com.

Kids Run Flagstaff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT (January 12, 2016) Danial Kowalski, Media Specialist Phone: 630.523.2232 Email: dzk3@nau.edu

Kids Run Flagstaff Receives Running Apparel From Under Armour Sponsorship

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – On Tuesday February 23rd, 65 kids will receive new Under Armour running apparel. Under Armour will outfit up to 100 members of Kids Run Flagstaff to support their efforts of instilling a love for running regardless of ability level. KRF’s ability to inspire healthy active lifestyles is something Under Armour supports.

Team Run Flagstaff and Under Armour have a multi-year agreement to benefit runners on all levels of Team Run Flagstaff community. Through Under Armour, Kids Run Flagstaff members will receive running apparel, footwear, and equipment to ensure their success throughout their cross-country and track seasons. Under Armour will promote the TRF community through social media in an effort to reach out to the running community.

Gary Plank founded kids Run Flagstaff in September of 2013. KRF was made for kids who wanted to keep running after the cross-country season was over. Word spread of the program, and kids from other Flagstaff schools wanted to join and KRF was then opened up to all schools and became non-exclusive. KRF builds a community of runners that welcomes anyone who wants to participate regardless of skill. KRF accepts members from any school in Flagstaff, and the program does not compete with the schools. KRF plans practices and races around the school track season in an effort to avoid conflicting schedules. KRF students are encouraged to practice with their school during the school year, and to practice with KRF during the summer. Last year, Kids Run Flagstaff participated at the Junior Olympics, and 38 of their 65 members qualified to go to nationals in South Carolina.

“Team Run Flagstaff is excited to partner with Under Armour to bring our athletes best-in-class product offerings and gear innovations,” said Stephen Haas, executive director of Team Run Flagstaff. “Through this partnership, UA will positively influence everybody from beginner, recreational, and professional runners to the rising generation of youth athletes.”

Kids Run Flagstaff has a membership fee of $185, and comes with a United States

Track and Field national membership. Members of KRF also receive Under Armour running apparel, footwear, and equipment. Anyone age 10-18 is welcome to join KRF, and skill level is not important. KRF practices year round on Tuesday from five-six p.m. and Thursday from four-five p.m. Tuesday practices are held on the track at Northern Arizona University, and Thursday practices are held in Buffalo Park. Visit runsignup.com to sign up for Kids Run Flagstaff, and for more information contact head coach Gary Plank at garyp860@msn.com or info@teamrunflagstaff.com.

Kids Run Flagstaff fosters an enthusiasm for an active lifestyle through running. KRF strives to instill a love of the sport and the value of healthy choices, in a fun and encouraging community. KRF offers a quality experience for youth in fifth through twelfth grade, regardless of school affiliation or ability level.

Kids Run Flagstaff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT (December 15, 2016) Morgan Nells, Media Specialist

Phone: 928.523.2232 Email: mn298@nau.edu

Be a Part of a Local Legacy by Starting the New Year With Kids Run Flagstaff FLAGSTAFF, Ariz - Flagstaff's only youth running team, Kids Run Flagstaff, will host a registration event at Buffalo Park next Tuesday. With the New Year only two weeks away, the Kids Run Flagstaff registration event will have participants meet the coaches Gary Plank and Nick Arciniaga. At the event, the coaches will answer questions and tell their personal stories and the unique history of the KRF program.

The goal will teach young people and their guardians a healthy active lifestyle. The

success of KRF is dependent on volunteers who are willing to assist during practice and meets. Parents can also help with timekeeping when appropriate, providing snacks, set-up and tear down of any sponsored events, and more. All parents are encouraged to get involved! The goal is to raise passion for an active lifestyle through running.

“This is an amazing group, with an amazing coach,” said Kari Plank, Assistant

Coach/Coordinator. KRF was founded in September 2013 to provide training for youth runners. Its focus is

on developing a lifelong love of running for young people. KRF strives to instill a love of the sport and value of healthy choices, in a fun and encouraging community. KRF's head coach is Gary Plank who has 40 years of running experience. The focus is family involvement; KRF wants to draw families together. This program instills great life skills, values and promotes encouragement amongst one another.

KRF's annual registration fee is $185.00. The charge is good for one year from the date

of registration. It provides kids with a team uniform, USA Track & Field membership, and the opportunity to compete in various competitions. In addition to guidance, support and direction of an experienced head coach and volunteer assistants. The program is year-round, with twice-weekly practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. on local tracks and area parks depending on the weather. KRF gives the opportunity to compete at local, regional, and national cross-country, track, and road-racing competitions. KRF is a fun, supportive community and team environment where kids can develop a love of running.

Ultimately, KRF strives to foster enthusiasm for an active healthy lifestyle through

running and healthy choices in a fun community. Regardless of school affiliation or ability level KRF offers a gratifying experience for youth ages 10- 18. More information contact garyp860@msn.com, info@teamrunflagstaff.com or sign up at runsignup.com.

Kids Run Flagstaff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT (June 10, 2016) Emily Babcock, Media Specialist

Phone: 928.523.2232 Email: erb97@nau.edu

4th of July Downtown Mile a Fun Run For All Abilities

FLAGSTAFF, AZ- June 10th, 2016 – This 4th of July Team Run Flagstaff will be hosting their 5th annual Downtown Mile. This race is open to runners of all ages and abilities and tailored for every kind of runner and their competitive preference. Entry fee is $35 for pre registration and $40 for race day registration. The course runs through downtown Flagstaff hitting spots such as Heritage Square, San Francisco Street, and Beaver Street. Race begins prior to the 4th of July parade so there will be many spectators present to cheer on race participants.

Although this race is very family friendly, competitive runners are welcome to compete in

the Elite category. Cash prizes will be awarded to top three overall male and females. Spectators of the Elite event may get the opportunity to watch members of Team Run Flagstaff Pro compete in the Downtown Mile. This includes nationally recognized athletes such as Nick Arciniaga, Leah Rosenfeld, and Andrew Lemoncello.

Masters category is ages 40+ with awards for each decade (40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+). The most popular category is Citizens, in which all ages and abilities are welcome. Many families choose to compete in this category because of the popular ‘patriotic pride costume contest.’ There is no entry fee for the Kids category (age 10 & under). This race is only ½ a mile and children are encouraged to participate in the costume contest.

The Downtown Mile really represents the inclusiveness that Kids Run Flagstaff is all about. KRF was founded in September of 2013 by head Coach Gary Plank who is also a competing runner and certified child psychologist. Youth aged 10-18 of any athletic ability and from any school are eligible to participate in KRF. The annual membership fee is 185$ and includes full under armor uniform. For more information about joining visit KRF’s website, www.teamrunflagstaff.com/program/trf-kids/.

KRF’s mission is to foster enthusiasm for an active lifestyle through running. KRF strives to instill a love of the sport & the value of healthy choices, in a fun and encouraging community. KRF offers a quality experience for youth in 5th through 12th grades, regardless of school affiliation or ability level.

Kids Run Flagstaff

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Social Media Calendar

Kids Run Flagstaff

Thursday12/8/2016

Nationals is 2 days away. Check out the profiles ofour kids that have qualified and will becompeteing!

Kid profiles -

Saturday12/10/2016

Nationals are today! Wish the kids luck, they havebeen training hard for this!

Kids at Nationals Link to Nationals line-up and schedule

Sunday12/11/2016

The results are in! Find out how well our Flagstaffkids did at Nationals this year!

Kids crossing finish line Link to Nationls results page

Monday12/12/2016

All Nationals photos are up and ready to be seen! Album of all photos from Nationals -

Tuesday12/13/2016

Nick Arciniaga is one of the 13 runners that isapart of Team Run Flagstaff Pro and spends a lotof time helping out the kids at their practices. He iscurrently the TRF assistant coach and is anolympic marathon where he was the 2013 U.S.marathon champion. At the moment he is assistingwith the Under Armor sponser that gets KRFmemebers their free head to toe gear."It is always the highlight of my week to be able toattend the KRF training meets where I get to seekids at such a young age find a love of runningand I can help foster that love in them myself."

Image of Nick Arcinaga -

Wednesday12/14/2016

Knowledge can seperate the good from the great,so brush up on some long distance running tips!

-Distance Running Tips:http://www.active.com/running/articles/7-running-experts-on-effective-long-run-training

Thursday12/15/2016

The New Year is about two weeks away, readmore to learn how to become apart of a locallegacy!

Registration Event Flyer

Tuesday12/20/2016

Gary Plank is the head coach of KRF, who is aman with a passion for running and a childpsycholigist. Over the past seven years, he hasmade the USATF Masters All-American standardin the 800m, 1500m, 3000m, and 5K road race.He currently holds the All-American standard inthe 1500m (4:34), ranking second in the nationand has standing records in the 1500m, 5K, and8K in Arizona."For me to be able to coach KRF is the greatestopportunity because I can now share my love ofrunning, my knowledge and my skills to suchamazing children."

Image of Gary Plank with the KRF kids -

Wednesday12/21/2016

Looking for some extra motivation to eat healthy?Well look no further!

-Why you should eat healthy:http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/should-eat-nutritiously-4916.html

Thursday12/22/2016

A great way to begin the New Year is to come outand register with KRF

Registration Event Flyer

Saturday12/24/2016 Happy Holidays from all of us in KRF!

Group Photo of KRF -

Sunday12/25/2016 Merry Christmas from KRF!

Christmas Themed Group Photo of KRF -

Wednesday12/28/2016

Following a training plan for an extended amountof time can become mundane. Check out this newtraining plan to freshen up your workouts!

-Jack Daniels Based Training Plan:http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/your-best-training-plan

Thursday12/29/2016

Begin the New Year by coming to Buffalo Parknext Tuesday January 3, 2016 and register withKRF

Registration Event Flyer

Saturday12/31/2016

Happy New Year's Eve! KRF wishes you the bestof luck on your New Year's Resolutions!

New Year's Themed Group Photo of KR -

This is a social media calendar meant for the Kids Run Flagstaff facebook page running November

through December. It would feature posts that highlight the KRF members that examplify a love of

running, weekly tips on running and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and events that KRF is hosting

in the Flagstaff area. There are a few select posts that show KRF’s support for the community and

when practices are cancelled. The highlighted posts will be promoted in order to increase the

awareness of KRF. The target audience for these posts include but are not limited to, families in

Flagstaff, consumers, and active runners looking to get involved in the community.

Kids Run Flagstaff

Mock Social Media Post

Instagram

This is an example of an Instagram post that would appear on the Kids Run Flagstaff profile. It would highlight the kids who qualified for the Nationals meet. The goal is to share the success of Kids Run Flagstaff with the followers and gain more community support for the runners.

Kids Run Flagstaff

Mock Social Media Post

Facebook Runner Profile

This is an example of a Facebook post that would be posted on the Kids Run Flagstaff page. It would be one of the weekly Tuesday Runner Profiles shared with the kids, parents, and anyone interested in running. The goal is to share a story of a successful runner that could sever as an inspiration for others and allow them to see someone passionate about running and living a healthy lifestyle.

Kids Run Flagstaff

Mock Social Media Post

Facebook Healthy Lifestyle Tip

This is an example of a Facebook post that would be posted on the Kids Run Flagstaff page. It would be one of the weekly Wednesday health tips shared with the kids, parents, and anyone interested in running. The goal is to share tips for living a healthy lifestyle even when they are not at practice.