RASHAD COLVIN

“I really enjoy getting to bond with the kids and being a positive role model for them.”

Rashad Colvin was browsing United Way’s website looking for volunteer opportunities when he discovered their fitUnited initiative and learned about Project R.U.N., a partnership between fitUnited and Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon (P3R) to help local kids learn healthier habits. “I’ve been coaching football for about 10 years with the Pittsburgh NFL Flag Football League, and I live a healthy lifestyle, so this seemed like the perfect fit for me,” Rashad said.

Rashad volunteers once a week at the Prospect Terrace Project R.U.N. site. “We spend about an hour with the kids—running, playing games, and teaching them good habits like how to eat healthy, get physical activity and get adequate sleep,” Rashad said.

Rashad’s favorite part of volunteering is being able to get to know the kids in the program. He sees them once a week for a couple months, and he looks forward to bonding with them and helping them achieve their goals. “The kids look forward to coming every week,” Rashad added. “They’ll challenge me to competitions and it’s so much fun.”

The goal of the program is to teach children lifelong healthy habits, but the children learn much more. “Being active can lead them to getting better grades, it can stop some of them from being bullied,” Rashad explained. “Getting started with good habits at a young age can shape your life.”

Rashad hopes the Project R.U.N. program will expand in the future and reach even more children. “With the relationships we build in this program, kids can become better students and people,” Rashad said.

At the end of the two-month program, the kids will put their training to the test and run together in P3R’s Kids of Steel race during marathon weekend. Donate here to help make sure each one of them makes it to the finish line!