Elite Athlete Grant Award Winner Donates Back Race Winnings to Support Youth Track and Field Clubs

PITTSBURGH, PA – A growing movement at the USATF Foundation connecting elite athletes with youth running communities is expanding, as five additional youth clubs have been awarded funding through an anonymous elite athlete grant award winner turned donor, who chose to give back to the next generation of runners.

These grants are intended to help offset costs associated with equipment, travel, training, and competition, providing critical resources that allow young athletes to train, compete, and grow through track and field. The grants will support the following clubs:

These clubs represent strong, community-driven programs that are shaping young athletes through dedicated coaching, inclusive environments, and supportive team cultures.

This round of grants reflects a broader effort to intentionally bridge youth clubs and elite athletes, fostering mentorship, inspiration, and long-term development in the sport of track and field. A key component of this growing connection is the Run With US! event series, where USATF Foundation elite athlete grantees regularly visit youth clubs to share their stories, assist with practices, lead warm-ups, and support young athletes directly.

To date, nine Run With Us! events have taken place, featuring participation from elite athletes including Bailey Hertenstein, Josette Norris-Andrews, Shelby Frank, Marcus Gustaveson, Bailey Lear, Alaysha Johnson, Amy Davis-Green, Caroline Garrett, Heather MacLean, Kate Mitchell, Katrina Coogan, Maia Ramsden, Helen Schlachtenhaufen, Valarie Allman, and Sam Kendricks. These visits give young runners the opportunity to engage with role models who demonstrate what long-term commitment to the sport can look like.

The USATF Foundation remains focused on expanding access and deepening the connection between developing athletes and elite athletes.