It all started with Sean Astin & Mindy Przeor………
In January of 2012, as Sean Astin was preparing to run the Los Angeles Marathon, he was prompted to answer the question, ‘what are you running for?’. This lead him to write his #RUN3rd mission statement – I run 1st for myself, I run 2nd for my family, I #RUN3rd for YOU!
#RUN3rd became a global movement of individuals carrying the dedications made on behalf of people’s loved ones, causes and ideas when out on a run or walk. It has grown to encompass thousands of runners, walkers and others around the globe who have taken its meaning and mission into their hearts.
During this same time period, in Mesa, Arizona, Physical Education teacher Mindy Przeor’s funding had been cut for her after-school running club at the elementary school where she taught. Mindy was developing a curriculum to help her students set goals, believe in themselves and discover how much they are capable of accomplishing. After finding success, Mindy’s mission turned to grow the program to other schools in the area because she felt the Arizona students deserved more than was and is currently available (see Arizona statistics below).
In 2013 Sean & Mindy’s paths crossed several times at runDisney events. As they learned more about one another’s passions, it felt like the perfect fit to bring the two together and create a RUN3rd after-school running program.
In 2015 Mindy and Sean hosted the well attended Inaugural RUN3rd 5k in Mesa, Arizona to bring the community together and raise the funds needed to bring the RUN3rd after-school running program into other local schools. The RUN3rd 5k has continued as an annual event to continue to raise funds.
In 2018 our nonprofit, RUN3rd Alliance, officially received 501(c)3 status from the IRS.
Since the inception of its 501(c)3 status, RUN3rd Alliance has continued to host the annual RUN3rd 5k, as well as other events such as movie nights with Sean Astin and our first ever golf tournament, to raise funds for our programs. We also receive donations from our supporters. The number of after-school running programs continue to increase each year, as additional schools learn about the opportunities that is brings for their students.
A Little Bit about Arizona………………….
Education in Arizona rankings
- 47th in College Readiness
- 46th on the ‘Best States for Education’ list for 2022
- 50th on Scholaroo which looks at Student Success, School Quality & Student Safety
- 49th lowest graduation rate
- 48th lowest spend per pupil
- 50th highest number of students per teacher
- 49th lowest teacher’s salary
Health in Arizona
- 10.2% obesity rate children ages 10-17, the ages we target, which ranks Arizona 50th
- 13% of Arizona children are food insecure
- 57% of Arizona students are eligible for the free/reduced lunch program
- The number of adolescent deaths by suicide are higher in Arizona than the national average in all categories
