Chicago Youth and Their Mentors Run in Naperville Trails Half-Marathon

Approximately 25 youth from Steinmetz High School on Chicago’s far northwest side will participate in the Naperville Trails Half Marathon on Sunday, September 15, along with their 10 adult mentors. This group of youth and mentors, many of whom have never before run or participated in sports, have been training for the race as part of an after-school and summer program with the youth empowerment non-profit MGR.

The program is called Team M3 (MGR Mentoring Marathon) and it is a mentorship program that trains underserved Chicago Public High School students to safely and successfully run a half or full marathon. In addition to training runs, youth are instructed on training techniques, nutrition and how other forms of exercise, such as yoga, can improve health. Also, as part of Team M3, adult community members are trained to become mentors, leading pace groups and forming positive relationships with the youth.

“I joined Team M3 to challenge myself,” said Gardenia, a junior at Steinmetz High School in Chicago. “I like running with our mentors because they make me feel comfortable and confident.”

The youth and mentors started training in May of this year. Training runs were held three times per week during the summer and leading up to the race. As a celebration for reaching the milestones of 10 and 12 miles, youth were bussed to the Chicago Lakefront Path to complete their runs. For many, it was the first time being on Chicago’s lakefront.

“Running makes me feel like I am flying,” said Lissette, a Steinmetz senior. “When I’m running, I’m stress free and forget about the problems at home and school.”

Team M3 offers an alternative to the streets, and teaches youth how to make positive and healthy lifestyle choices that allow them to be successful beyond the finish line. Youth who participate in Team M3 are empowered to make positive physical, social and intellectual choices, set an example for their peers and community, and form positive adult relationships around common goals such as improving health.

The culminating race for Team M3 is the Naperville Trails Half Marathon, which is organized by All Community Events and takes place on Sunday, September 15, in the Danada Forest Preserve.

MGR is a public 501(c)3 non-profit organization that engages, motivates and empowers under-resourced youth to create positive community change. Programs are offered during the school day, during out-of-school time and as community-based initiatives. All Chicago programs are offered and implemented at the high school level.

MGR was founded in 2001 by Lionel Rabb, a Chicago businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist. The letters MGR are the initials of Marilyn G. Rabb, Rabb’s stepmother. After succumbing to her battle with cancer, the organization was created to honor her giving nature and warm spirit.

To learn more about MGR’s youth empowerment programming, or to donate, please visit www.mgrf.org.