About Us

WHAT IS STRIDE FOR SERVICE?

Stride for Service is a 501(3)(c) student led non-profit that unites runners of all backgrounds to promote physical health, strengthen mental well-being, and serve our community through organized race participation. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and inspired by the belief that running is more powerful when shared, we connect individuals to causes that matter personally to them. Stride for Service empowers "Captains" to organize teams and contributions to run charity-based road races around Charlotte. Each race raises and donates money for the designated cause. Stride for Service is open to all, and through its initial fundraising, covers entries fees for any willing racer without the financial means to participate. The initial fundraising efforts assure no one is left behind regardless of personal circumstances. Every stride we take together raises funds, builds community, and honors the people and purposes that move us forward.

OUR STORY

Stride for Service began with a simple idea: to turn a love of running into a way to give back. What started as a small group participating in local charity races quickly grew into a larger effort to bring people together through fitness and service. By connecting runners with meaningful causes, organizing community events, and making races more accessible, Stride for Service has become a way to promote both physical and mental well-being while making a positive impact in our community.

GOALS

Last year, in Stride for Service’s first year of activity, the group organized and ran four (4) races. Stride for Service also held one fundraiser. In total Stride for Service was able to raise $6,503.10 in its first year. $1,500.00 was earmarked to provide funding for any racers without the financial means to participate, and $5,003.10 was donated directly to four (4) separate charities. Stride for Service had eighty-six (86) registered runners in its first year. Stride for Service has set goals of more than doubling registered runners with two-hundred (200) registered runners, $12,500.00 donated directly to charities and raising an additional $5,000.00 via its fundraiser for racers who need financial assistance to participate.

PLANS FOR THE NEXT YEAR

Stride for Service will organize and fundraise for at least six (6) Charity Races during the upcoming school year. Much of the race organization will be conducted via social media. Our Advisor, Mrs. Abbott, the Leadership Team and Club members will meet quarterly in the Quad to appoint “Captains,” and identify available road races and charitable causes of interest. The meetings will be on the third Monday of January, April, September, and December. The race dates will be dependent upon the schedule of races in the community, but it is anticipated, based on our experience last year, the races will occur on Saturday mornings. Currently Stride for Service plans on racing: Feed Charlotte 5K on August 8, 2026 (Charlotte Homelessness); Keep Pounding estimated to be September 12, 2026 (Levine Cancer Center/Research); Stride for Shelter on October 17, 2026 (Supporting Charlotte Homelessness); Jingle Bell Run on December 16, 2026 (Supporting Charlotte Arthritis Foundation); Cupid’s Cup on February 7, 2027 (Cardiac Rehabilitation); Run Jen Run 5K on March 21, 2027 (Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness); and Lunge Forward 5K estimated for May 15, 2027 (supporting Lung Cancer). Additionally, Stride for Service is planning on a holding a fundraiser in September of 2026, to increase the amount of funds available to fund entry fees for any racer without the financial means to participate.