Kilometer Kids is Atlanta Track Club's oldest and largest youth running program. The free, game-based curriculum is designed to teach kids in grades K-5 about goal setting, healthy habits, respect, and community building, all by exposing them to the sport of running. Over the course of the 10-week season, the goal for every Kilometer Kid is to run 13.1 or 26.2 miles (depending on how many practices they attend each week). There is no fee to participate, and the program is for all elementary students regardless of running ability or experience. Being a Kilometer Kid is not about running the fastest or winning the race. Instead, it's all about working hard, being kind, and having fun while becoming more physically active, being a part of a team, and finding joy in the process.

SITE LEAD registration for Fall 2024 is now closed. If you are interested in hosting a site for Spring 2025, please reach out to kilometerkids@atlantatrackclub.org.

PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION for Fall 2024 is NOW CLOSED! To be added to the e-list to for future seasons, please fill out this form.

If you are looking for a program for middle schoolers, please check out Atlanta Track Club's Youth Team.

Date & Time

  • Spring 2025 Season: February 24-May 9, 2025

Location

  • Bring it to your school, neighborhood, or community organization!

Cost

  • FREE



Fall 2024 Program Locations

Kilometer Kids Participant Registration is now closed for Fall 2024. To see our team locations for this fall, please explore below using the map and filters. To be added to the e-list to for future seasons, please fill out this form.

Al Falah Academy (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

1835 Shackleford Court

Norcross, GA 30093

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Aretē Enrichment Academy (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Woolsey Baptist Church 115 Hampton Road

Fayetteville, GA 30215

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Arrow Classical Academy (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Rabbit Hill Park 400 Rabbit Hill Rd

Dacula, GA 30019

Please reach out to the group directly for registration and practice information.

Ashford Park Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

2968 Cravenridge Drive NE

Brookhaven, GA 30319

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Athens Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

Bishop Park 705 Sunset Dr

Athens, GA 30606

Tuesdays: 4:30-5:30 pm

Auburn Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Auburn Elementary 1334 6th Avenue

Auburn, GA 30011

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Baldwin Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Baldwin Elementary 123 Price Place

Norcross, GA 30071

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Beaver Ridge Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Beaver Ridge Elementary 1978 Beaver Ruin Rd

Norcross, GA 30071

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Benteen Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Benteen Elementary 1410 Cassanova St SE

Atlanta, GA 30315

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Bessie Branham Running Chickens (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

Bessie Branham Park 2051 Delano Dr NE

Atlanta, GA 30317

Wednesdays & Sundays: 4:30-5:15pm/6-6:45pm

Britt Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Britt Elementary 2503 Sklyand Drive

Snellville, GA 30078

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Brook Run Park Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

4770 N Peachtree Rd

Dunwoody, GA 30338

Mondays & Wednesdays: 4:30-5:30 pm

Cheney Stadium Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

741 Connally St SE

Atlanta, GA 30315

Mondays & Wednesdays: 5-6 pm

City of Alpharetta Parks & Rec (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Alpharetta Community Center 175 Roswell St

Alpharetta, GA 30009

This program is open to City of Alpharetta residents only. For access to registration, please reach out to [email protected] with the Parks & Recreation Dept.

City of Knowledge Islamic School (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

4255 Lawrenceville Highway

Lilburn, GA 30047

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Clarkston Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

Clarkston High School 618 N Indian Creek Dr

Clarkston, GA 30021

Mondays & Wednesdays: 5-6 pm

Covington Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

Legion Field 3173 Mill St NE

Covington, GA 30014

Mondays: 6-7 pm

D.A.T.E. Academy (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

D.A.T.E. Academy 1492 Kelton Dr.

Stone Mountain, GA 30088

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Dekalb Christian Home Educators (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

5312 W. Mountain Street

Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Please reach out to the church directly for registration and practice information.

Duncan Creek Elementary School (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Duncan Creek Elementary School 4500 Braselton Highway

Hoschton, GA 30548

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

EE Robinson Park South Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

EE Robinson Park South 650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd

Sugar Hill, GA 30518

Wednesdays & Saturdays: 5:30-6:30 pm / 10-11 am

Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy 1340 Enota Ave. NE

Gainesville, GA 30501

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

EPIC Homeschool Running Club (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Louis Suggs Memorial Park 6040 Spring St

Austell, GA 30168

Please reach out to the group directly for registration and practice information.

Evansdale Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

2914 Evans Woods Dr

Doraville, GA 30340

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary School (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary School 101 5th Avenue

Decatur, GA 30030

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Fort Moore Kilometer Kids (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Doughboy Stadium 394 Lauber Ave

Fort Moore, GA 31905

Please reach out to the group directly for registration and practice information.

Fowler Park Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

4110 Carolene Way

Cumming, GA 30040

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 5:30-6:30 pm

Fox Hills Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)
Hapeville Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

Jess Lucas Y-Teen Park 680 S Central Ave

Hapeville, GA 30354

Wednesdays: 5:30-6:30 pm

Henderson Mill Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

2408 Henderson Mill Road

Atlanta, GA 30345

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Hope-Hill Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Hope-Hill Elementary 112 Boulevard NE

Atlanta, GA 30312

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Huntley Hills Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Huntley Hills Elementary 2112 Seaman Circle

Atlanta, GA 30341

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Impact Racing Ministry (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

223 Kentucky Avenue

Griffin, GA 30223

Please reach out to the group directly for registration and practice information.

International Charter Academy of Georgia (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

International Charter Academy of Georgia 3705 Engineering Dr

Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

International Community School (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

International Community School 2418 Wood Trail Ln

Decatur, GA 30033

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Kemp Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Kemp Elementary 10990 Folsom Road

Hampton, GA 30228

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Keswick Park Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

3496 Keswick Dr

Chamblee, GA 30341

Thursdays: 5-6 pm

King Springs Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

1041 Reed Road

Smyrna, GA 30082

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

KIPP Ways Primary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

KIPP Ways Academy 350 Temple St NW

Atlanta, GA 30314

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Lake Ridge Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Lake Ridge Elementary 7900 Lake Ridge Cir.

Riverdale, GA 30296

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Lilburn Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Lilburn Elementary School 531 Lilburn School Road NW

Lilburn, GA 30047

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Marietta Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)
Marshall Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Marshall Elementary 5885 Maddox Rd

Morrow, GA 30260

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Midtown International School (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Midtown International School 1575 Sheridan Rd NE

Atlanta, GA 30324

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Milford Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Milford Elementary 390 Austell Rd

Marietta, GA 30008

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Montgomery Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Montgomery Elementary 3995 Ashford Dunwoody Rd

Atlanta, GA 30319

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Morningside Milers (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

Sidney Marcus Park 801 Sherwood Rd NE

Atlanta, GA 30324

Saturdays: 9-9:45 am

Mt. Zion Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Mt. Zion Elementary 2984 Mt Zion Rd

Jonesboro, GA 30236

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Mountain View Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

3151 Sandy Plains Rd

Marietta, GA 30066

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Norcross Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

150 Hunt St

Norcross, GA 30071

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.


Northwest Classical Academy (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

3010 Cobb Parkway NW

Kennesaw, GA 30152

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Oakhurst Recreation Center (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

450 E. Lake Drive

Decatur, GA 30030

Tuesdays: 5-6 pm

Ola Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Ola Elementary 278 N Ola Rd

McDonough, GA 30252

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Peachtree Corners (PTC) Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)
Pickett's Mill Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Pickett's Mill Elementary 6400 Old Stilesboro Rd NW

Acworth, GA 30101

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Piedmont Park Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

Active Oval

Atlanta, GA 30309

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 5-6 pm

Powder Springs Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Powder Springs Elementary 4570 Grady Grier Dr

Powder Springs, GA 30127

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Primrose School of Five Forks (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Primrose School of Five Forks 3030 River Drive

Lawrenceville, GA 30044

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Saint John Neumann Regional Catholic School (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

791 Tom Smith Rd SW

Lilburn, GA 30047

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Shallowford Presbyterian School (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Shallowford Presbyterian School 2375 Shallowford Rd NE

Atlanta, GA 30345

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Sharp Creek Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

115 Old Muse Rd

Carrollton, GA 30116

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Smyrna Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Smyrna Elementary 1099 Fleming St

Smyrna, GA 30080

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Smyrna Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

3515 McCauley Rd

Smyrna, GA 30080

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4:45-5:45pm

Southwest Atlanta Speed Racers (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

The Rev. James Orange Park at Oakland City 1305 Oakland Ln SW

Atlanta, GA 30310

Fridays & Sundays: 4-5 pm / 10-11 am

St. John the Evangelist Catholic School (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

240 Arnold Street

Hapeville, GA 30354

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Swint Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Swint Elementary 500 GA-138

Jonesboro, GA 30238

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

The Howard School (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

The Howard School 1192 Foster St NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

The Museum School (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

923 Forrest Blvd

Decatur, GA 30030

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Tritt Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Tritt Elementary 4435 Post Oak Tritt Rd

Marietta, GA 30062

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Tucker Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)
Underwood Hills Trackstars (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

Underwood Hills Park 1845 Harper St NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 5:15-6:15 pm

Vanderlyn Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

1877 Vanderlyn Dr

Dunwoody, GA 30338

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Varner Elementary (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Varner Elementary 4761 Gaydon Rd

Powder Springs, GA 30127

Please reach out to the school directly for registration and practice information.

Westside Park Kilometer Kids (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

1660 Johnson Rd NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4:30-5:30 pm

YMCA - Carl Sanders (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA at Buckhead 1160 Moores Mill Road NW

Atlanta, GA 30327

Please reach out to the YMCA directly for registration and practice information.

YMCA - Cowart (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

Cowart Family YMCA 3692 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE

Atlanta, GA 30319

Mondays & Wednesdays: 5:30-6:30 pm

YMCA - Decatur (PUBLIC)

Program Type: public

Decatur Family YMCA 1100 Clairemont Ave

Decatur, GA 30030

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4:30-5:30 pm

YMCA - Northwest (PUBLIC)
YMCA - Robert D. Fowler

Program Type: private

Robert D. Fowler YMCA 5600 West Jones Bridge Rd

Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

Please reach out to the YMCA directly for registration and practice information.

YMCA - Summit Family (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

Summit Family YMCA 1765 GA-34

Newnan, GA 30265

Please reach out to the YMCA directly for registration and practice information.

YMCA - The Villages At Carver (PRIVATE)

Program Type: private

The Villages At Carver YMCA 1600 Pryor Rd SE

Atlanta, GA 30315

Please reach out to the YMCA directly for registration and practice information.

What Happens At A Kilometer Kids Practice?


Curious about what a Kilometer Kids practice is really like? At practice, we always focus on building healthy habits like warming up before we start moving, practicing good sportsmanship, playing running-based games, tracking mileage on our runs, working towards our goals (e.g. running a half or full marathon), earning cool incentives, meeting professional athletes, and, of course, working hard, being kind, and having fun. Check out this video to see for yourself what Kilometer Kids is all about.

"This program [is] incredible! My son loves it and we all look forward to coming out twice a week. He's met some great kids and is so proud of his running."

-Batya, Atlanta Track Club Community Team Piedmont Park Parent/Guardian

"I want to thank [Atlanta Track Club] for helping us…move and inspire youth…The long life fitness goals presented in the Kilometer Kids [program] teach them proper techniques to live a healthy lifestyle."

-Griffin Ellington, Kilometer Kids Coach

"This is a phenomenal program and I thank [Atlanta Track Club] for supporting community fitness [through] education programs like this!!!"

-Jennifer, Underwood Hills Track Stars Parent/Guardian


"This is such a great program for kids who want to run but don't have a parent who does. So glad we were able to introduce our daughter to the sport in a fun, safe, and positive way!"

-Parent, Atlanta Track Club Community Team Piedmont Park


"My son loved collecting the bands, and he wears his [Kilometer Kids] shirt with pride because he earned it."

-Verity, Saint Jude Catholic School Parent/Guardian



"I just love the program! I continuously worry about my son's self esteem and anxiety and this program has been great because it gets kids focused on achieving and doing their best without ever putting them on the hot seat, or judging, or getting too competitive."

-Rebecca, Atlanta Track Club Community Team Brook Run Park Parent/Guardian


" We were so impressed with how much fun [our son] had and all the information he brought home to us."

-Christina, King Springs Elementary Parent/Guardian

"My daughter enjoyed the program more than I thought she would. She didn't want it to end. Her confidence has increased knowing that she can run a mile."

-Shalewa, Atlanta Track Club Community Team Piedmont Park Parent/Guardian


"[Kilometer Kids] improved my kids' team building effort and teamwork, supported their peers in a very friendly way, helped them set up goals and [understand] how to achieve these goals...It is an amazing program!"

-Maira, Atlanta Track Club Community Team Piedmont Park Parent/Guardian


"My daughter loved Kilometer Kids! She met new friends and loved all activities."

-Atlanta Track Club Community Team Brook Run Park Parent/Guardian


"I have been so impressed with the program for both 2021 and 2022. The coaches, the planning, and the curriculum (goal setting, etc) is so well executed."

-Parent, Atlanta Track Club Community Team Piedmont Park


The Site-Based Program

What makes Kilometer Kids different from many other sports-based youth development programs is that we do not train outside volunteers and send them out to schools and communities. Instead, in order to host a Kilometer Kids program, we require someone from that school or community to serve as the coach.

Every program site is unique with different needs, and a member of that community is best equipped to understand those needs. We believe this model fosters a greater sense of camaraderie and trust. So, if you are a teacher looking to start an afterschool physical activity program for your students, a parent trying to get the kids in your neighborhood moving, or a member of a community organization looking for new sports-based youth programming, our site-based Kilometer Kids program is for you!

As the site lead/head coach, you have the flexibility to decide whether you will participate for the fall and/or spring season, where your team will practice, and what days and times works best for you and your participants to meet. When you register as a Kilometer Kids site lead/head coach, you will get FREE access to:

  • Our 10-week, gamed-based running curriculum consisting of daily lesson plans that include weekly themes and discussion questions, fun games, daily runs and resources for further learning
  • Coaching orientation, CPR/First Aid training, and SafeSport certification to prepare you for the season
  • Electronic mileage tracking tools to make tracking your participants' progress streamlined and organized
  • T-shirts, wristbands and other incentives to motivate your Kilometer Kids to reach the goal of running 13.1 or 26.2 total miles
  • Opportunities for your participants to compete in FREE, fun, midweek runs and other Atlanta Track Club youth running events
  • Support, consulting and mentoring from Atlanta Track Club Staff, elite athletes and veteran Kilometer Kids coaches

Please email us at kilometerkids@atlantatrackclub.org if you have questions about starting a program.

Donate here to support community initiatives like Kilometer Kids!

The program launched in 2007 with one location serving 38 kids. Since then, Kilometer Kids has grown significantly and now impacts thousands of children each year in the Atlanta region and beyond. The program is funded by Atlanta Track Club, private donations, foundation grants, and community partners. Kilometer Kids is also an official charity of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.

Inspiring The Next Generation

Shane Streich & Yolanda Ngarambe of Atlanta Track Club Elite talking about how they build healthy habits with Kilometer Kids at Piedmont Park.

At Atlanta Track Club, a primary goal is to inspire the next generation of runners and walkers. We provide our youth program participants the opportunity to meet professional track and field athletes and to learn how they started their running and walking journeys, overcame personal challenges, and became elite athletes! Every season, members of Atlanta Track Club Elite visit many of our Kilometer Kids program sites to help lead participants through a proper warmup and cooldown, answer questions, share advice, play running games with the teams, and cheer Kilometer Kids on as they work towards their mileage goals,.

If you are interested in starting a program and bringing some professional runners to your school, organization or neighborhood, email us to learn more about this unique opportunity to help inspire your young runners and walkers.

Meet The Staff Team


Madison Hafitz: Senior Program Manager, Kilometer Kids & Youth Running

Madison is the Kilometer Kids Senior Program Manager! Born and raised in Atlanta, she has fond memories of running the Peachtree Junior as a kid. After almost a decade away, she is excited to be back in warmer climate to join Atlanta Track Club to support youth through increasing access to opportunities for physical activity, and to build community through sport. Madison played collegiate soccer at Tufts University where she earned her B.A. in Community Health & Anthropology. She went on to earn her Master's in Public Health in Health Behavior & Health Education from the University of Michigan. In her free time, you can find Madison cheering on Atlanta United, looking for any excuse to eat ice cream, or planning her next travel adventure.

To learn more about Madison's journey with running, sports-based youth development, and Atlanta Track Club, watch this video. Check out her story in the January 2021 issue of Wingfoot Magazine as well as her feature by Microsoft as a part of their 2023 Game Changers campaign highlighting women in sports!


Kathleen Schellman: Program Coordinator, Kilometer Kids & Youth Running



Kathleen is the Kilometer Kids Program Coordinator! She grew up in Atlanta, where her passion for sport and running developed through her high school years. Her first "real race" was the Peachtree Road Race at age 13, where she set her sights on beating her mom—and succeeded! After earning her B.S. in Kinesiology Exercise Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham while competing on their cross country and track teams, Kathleen is thrilled to join Kilometer Kids staff. She is eager to create more opportunities for Atlanta's youth to experience the benefits of exercise and establish lifelong healthy habits. Through her work, she hopes to inspire Atlanta's next generation to embrace movement and well-being as cornerstones of their lives.