Our Program
Reason to Run is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a culture of hope, connection, and community for women in correctional facilities. This is accomplished through a multifaceted training program that supports and motivates both new and experienced runners.
Our running program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) in Wilsonville, Oregon includes weekly outdoor group training sessions, along with personal mid-week training goals and reflective running journals.
While the primary focus of the running program is physical fitness, participants are also encouraged to explore how running positively impacts mental health, goal setting, and accountability. All participants are encouraged to support and assist other group members to reach their goals.
Program Overview
Adults in custody (AICs) in medium, minimum, and treatment are invited to participate in our Bunk to 5K run program. Participants start their fitness journey with a 20-minute workout, and by the end of the program, can walk and/or run a 5K race.
Our program includes:
Weekly educational classroom sessions
Physical health – injury prevention and recovery, strength/cross training, nutrition and hydration, running clothing and shoes, and more
Mental health – using movement as an outlet, overcoming negative self-talk, finding inspiration, and more
An 8-week training program leading to a 5K finish
Goal setting and individual commitment to the program
Workout guidance for non-run group days
Individual commitment to the program and goal setting
Post-release run care package including running shoes, sports bra, socks, and more!
Fitness and Fun
Training can be arduous, but we have found that it can also be fun! During training intervals, inmates cheer one another on, run in pace groups, and work together to accomplish boot camp exercises. Each session ends in a group huddle where inmates stretch and cool down as well as connect over shared training information for future training sessions.
All women are welcome! This program is not only for the experienced runner. This training program exists to aid women looking to establish healthy habits and routines needed in creating an active lifestyle.
900+
adults in custody have been trained in our program
280+
post-release run care packages provided to alumni
65
participants per session, on average
37
5K finishers per session, on average
The Finish Line
Races are run on a paved track within the prison yard.
9 laps = 1 mile
5K = 28 laps
10K = 56 laps
Each eight-week training program finishes with a 5K race celebrating the hard work that has been accomplished. Race participants receive a race bib, post-race fruit, and a certificate with their race time. Peers and friends are encouraged to cheer and support the racers.
Our Impact
At the start of our Bunk to 5K program, participants sign a personal commitment and share their “reason to run.” Here’s what some of them had to say:
“My reason to run is… destress/commit to start running more frequently”
“My reason to run is… I’ve always wanted to run! Just never took the time to learn how 🙂”
“My reason to run is… myself/mother + daughter relationship”
“My reason to run is… get back into condition and keep running.”
“My reason to run is… to get physically fit”
“My reason to run is… to be better 1% everyday.”
At the end of the program, we ask participants to reflect on their experience. Here’s what a few participants shared:
"I have completed something [for] the first time in years ..."
"I am a new person, I have joy and balance in my life. I have respect for myself"
"I am a more open and willing person because of the motivation this program has given me."
"This program has changed my whole outlook on exercise and has given me a new coping skill that I love and enjoy."
"I can run now without feeling like I am going to die. I never thought I could run 5K and I did it."
Race for the Cure Inside 5K
In the past, Reason to Run has partnered with Race for the Cure. Adults in custody register for the race and receive a numbered bib that they wear while running laps around the prison yard. This race is called Race for the Cure Inside. Adults in custody donate between $5 to $10 to participate in this event. Onlookers cheer on participants from the sidelines.
In the past few years, more than 300 adults in custody have participated in Race for the Cure Inside and have raised more than $1,500 toward furthering breast cancer research. Planning is already underway for our next annual Race for the Cure Inside!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular news and event updates. We invite you to partner with us in cheering on these adults in custody in establishing healthy rhythms for their future.
