CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, ILLINOIS

Kicks for CU Kids is an Illinois-based not-for-profit program that provides youth from the greater Champaign-Urbana area with an essential tool to pursue a life of health and fitness. The goal of the organization is to provide professionally-fitted running shoes and running socks to local youth runners who participate through organized running programs in races associated with the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, held annually in April. Kicks for CU Kids was created to address a gap in opportunity that exists for some youngsters in the Champaign-Urbana area who are underrepresented in the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, which is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Eligible youth for the running shoe program must be actively enrolled at the school, after-school, or community program applying for the grant, must be participating in your running program, and must participate in either the 5K on Friday, April 25 or Busey Bank Illinois Youth Run on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Complete the 2025 Kicks for CU Kids grant application: Kicks 4 CU Kids Grant Application Form

2024 Grant Recipients

Students from the following schools and programs received running shoes and socks ahead of our 2024 Race Weekend: Carrie Busey Elementary School, Urbana Unit School District #116, DREAAM, Oakwood Grade School, and Girls on the Run chapters at Stratton Academy, Unity West Elementary School, and Eastlawn Elementary School.

Program Supporters

Financial support for Kicks for CU Kids provided by Body n’ Sole Sports, Human Kinetics, Serra Champaign, the Village of Savoy, The Michael Hogue Team/ REMAX Realty Associates, and Second Wind Running Club.

Interested in becoming a sponsor of our Kicks for CU Kids program? Send an email to Lynn Chaney at lynnchaney.illinoismarathon@gmail.com.