Looking to promote the lifelong benefits of running to high school students through its “Future Run” initiative, Brooks Running and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) have entered into a partnership that began August 1.

Through the partnership, aligning with the launch of its “Future Run Team Grant Program” this month, Brooks will donate more than $1 million in products and cash to 50 underfunded high school teams during the 2023-24 school year. Schools can apply for a team grant using the following link: www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/programs/team-grants/.

Brooks launched Future Run in March with a goal of reaching one million young runners in the United States with a $10 million investment over the next five years. While track and field remains among the top high school sports for participation, Brooks and the NFHS realize the potential to connect with more athletes and students by promoting the lifelong benefits of running.

“High school track and cross country teams are often young people’s introduction to running,” says Alaina Fuld, senior manager for communications and community impact at Brooks. “Whether they’re taking their first strides or aiming for a team championship, we’re here to support them.”

As part of the partnership, Brooks and the NFHS will work to promote high school participation in running during both the fall cross-country season and the spring track and field season. Brooks will also continue its “Inspiring Coaches” program, which annually recognizes high school track and cross-country coaches who go above and beyond for their athletes.

“The NFHS is proud to partner with Brooks to inspire millions of young runners to become more active,” adds NFHS CEO Dr. Karissa Niehoff. “High school participation in track and field and cross-country remains high across the country, and the Future Run Team Grant Program is an excellent initiative to help schools properly equip their athletes.”

According to the 2021-22 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, track and field is the most popular high school sport for girls with more than 450,000 participants and second most popular for boys – behind only 11-player football – with nearly 570,000 participants. An additional 420,000 boys and girls combined participate in cross-country at the high school level.