GO FAR (Go Out For A Run)® is an eight to 10-week comprehensive fitness program designed to teach children of all abilities about healthy eating, goal setting, and how to train to walk/run a 5K. GO FAR was created to fight the childhood obesity epidemic while teaching children healthy habits that can be sustained throughout their lives.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, GO FAR provides an easy way for teachers, coaches and/or parents to create running clubs in their schools and communities. The flexible, turn-key curricula can be offered in the classroom, during a summer camp, or as an after-school program. GO FAR provides training and ongoing support to clubs each step of the way. Start a club today!

OUR VISION

It is our vision to ignite a passion for healthy living among children, families and communities.

OUR MISSION

It is our mission to empower children through an innovative running program to achieve their goals and pursue healthy lifestyles. GO FAR helps to …

• get children active
• reduce the incidence of childhood obesity and its complications
• teach children about healthy eating habits that they can sustain into adulthood
• model the importance of good character and how it applies to success in life
• show children how to set and achieve goals and complete a 5K road race

GO FAR creates a ripple effect in schools and communities when children motivate their teachers, parents and siblings to get involved.

OUR HISTORY

In 2003, Physician Assistant Robin Lindsay developed the GO FAR (Go Out For A Run)® running program/fitness curriculum. At work, Lindsay was evaluating young adults who were overweight and already showing early signs and symptoms of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, joint problems and depression.

“I felt compelled to try and help, even if it was in just a small way” says Lindsay. A runner who had recently trained to run her first marathon, she decided to teach children about exercise and healthy eating. She knew that reaching children at an earlier age was the key to developing and maintaining good habits throughout childhood and into adulthood.

Lindsay began GO FAR in one High Point, NC, school with 16 children. The program has grown to reach more than 8,000 children annually. GO FAR programs are found in elementary and middle schools and many after-school programs throughout North Carolina and nationwide.

Why is the program so successful? “We thought we'd just reach kids,” Lindsay says. “But we've seen whole families join in, becoming runners and changing their diets. We've seen teachers who, inspired by their students, have changed their lives by losing extra weight and starting to exercise.

“Also, you don’t have to be a super-star athlete to run,” Lindsay adds. GO FAR reaches the kids who might not make early travel teams, think of themselves as athletes, or have the resources to play other sports. “All you need to run is a good pair of running shoes and a good attitude.”

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WHY WE NEED GO FAR

In the United States, the percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s. Data from 2015-2016 show that nearly 1 in 5 school age children and young people (6-19 years) in the U.S. has obesity. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

GO FAR helps children build competence and confidence to make good choices and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle they can carry into adulthood.

2023-2024 GO FAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers
Carla Ballesteros, Chairman

Cameron Smith, Vice-Chairman

Annette Sentner, Immediate Past Chair

Alice Owens, Treasurer

Rosemarie Tarara, Secretary

Robin Lindsay, Founder

Board Members

Carrie Reich Little

Chris Hewitt

Christopher Ingram

Curtis Cheeks III

Eddie Wooten

Jeremy Haskins

Joyce Eury

Leigh Earman

Karen Lisenby

Mandy Wahl

Maria Rodriguez

Robin Lindsay

Rosie Tarara

Ryanna Henderson

Samantha Hauser

Wendy Austin