501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Founded 2017 · Boise, Idaho
An eight-week running program that gets runners Pre-K through 6th grade from their first stretch to their first 5K finish line — building confidence, community, and healthy habits, one training session at a time.
The program
SoleKIDs started in March 2017 with 3 sites and 36 runners in Boise. By that first race day, it had grown to 4 sites and 74 finishers. Today the program runs in more than 20 sites across the Treasure Valley, and thousands of runners have crossed a SoleKIDs finish line since.
Each season is eight weeks long. Coaches and volunteers meet with runners twice a week for about 90 minutes — teaching healthy habits, running skills, stretching, games and more every training session — building toward a real, timed 5K on race day.
SoleKIDs was founded by Jamie and Jonathan Stevens, and in January 2020 the organization was honored with Idaho's Brightest Stars Award, presented by Serve Idaho, the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism.
Why running
Every training session plants a small win, so runners show up on race day already knowing they can finish.
Coaches, classmates, and family cheer squads — SoleKIDs is a team sport built around a community.
Stretching, hydration, nutrition, and moving twice a week — habits that outlast the season itself.
Where we run
Home base since 2017. Now serving 30+ sites across the Boise, West Ada, and Nampa areas.
Local volunteers brought the SoleKIDs model north, running the same eight-week season format.
A community-driven region, launched after local families reached out to bring SoleKIDs east.
Want to start a SoleKIDs region where you live? Email jamie@solekids.org.
Our races
SoleKIDs organizes four races a year across the Treasure Valley. Entry fees and sponsorships from each one go straight back into coaching, gear, and scholarships for SoleKIDs seasons.
Oct 11, 2026
City of Trees MarathonMarathon, half, 10K & 5K along the Greenbelt in peak fall color.
May 2, 2027
Boise River MarathonA net-downhill point-to-point from Lucky Peak to Eagle Island.
Jun 20, 2027
Boise MarathonA 6:04 AM sunrise start from Lucky Peak into downtown Boise.
Boise, Idaho
Boise Half MarathonThe fourth race in the SoleKIDs series — details coming soon.
Registration
Spring and fall SoleKIDs seasons open for registration throughout the year. Pick a season, pick a site, and we'll see your runner at the finish line.
Get involved
Every training session just needs one coach. No experience required — just energy and a whistle (we provide the whistle).
Donations fund gear, program materials, and season scholarships for runners who need them — every gift is tax-deductible.
Already have kiddos ready to run? Email jamie@solekids.org to get started today!
Questions
The program is built for runners Pre-K through 6th grade. Coaches meet runners where they are — a first-timer training toward a finish, or a returning runner chasing a personal-best time.
Seasons run on a site-by-site basis, and scholarships are available so cost is never a reason a runner sits out. Reach out to your school's coordinator or jamie@solekids.org for specifics.
Every site so far started the same way — a few runners and one committed coach. Email jamie@solekids.org and we'll walk you through what it takes.
Entry fees and sponsorships from the City of Trees Marathon, Boise River Marathon, Boise Marathon, and Boise Half Marathon fund SoleKIDs coaching, gear, and scholarships across all three regions.