In every community, there are moments when people come together around something simple and meaningful. Sometimes it’s a shared meal, a local event, or a place where families gather after school. And sometimes, it starts with movement.
This spring, YARD is excited to introduce the Yelm Running Club through its new Knights of Endurance program, created to help people connect, grow, and stay active together here in Yelm. Open to all ages and experience levels, this beginner-friendly running club is built around something we believe in deeply: movement is better when you do it together.
A Running Club Built for Community
The Yelm Running Club is about bringing people together through movement. Whether you’ve never run a mile in your life or you’re already lacing up a few times a week, this is your invitation to be part of something meaningful.
Sunday afternoon runs will primarily meet at Yelm City Park, using the nearby trail system for group runs and community connection. Younger runners and beginners will also have the option to stay closer to the city park area, creating a welcoming environment where everyone can participate comfortably.
As the program grows, future routes may include the new bridge and additional community locations throughout Yelm, helping participants explore the area while staying active together.
“Sometimes the strongest communities are built one step at a time.”
That belief is woven into every part of this new running club in Yelm.
Creating Opportunities for Youth
One of the driving forces behind this new Youth Running Program is the growing need for accessible youth wellness opportunities in our community. With middle schools no longer offering sports programs in the same way they once did, many students are losing important opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, mentorship, and confidence-building. The Running Club aims to help bridge that gap creating a consistent, encouraging place where youth can stay active and connected.
This isn’t about pressure or competition. It’s about consistency, support, and showing young people that movement can be positive, empowering, and fun.
At YARD, we know that healthy lifestyles begin with encouragement and access. Programs like this create opportunities for youth to discover confidence through fitness while building friendships and relationships that extend beyond the trail.
As part of Yelm community programs focused on long-term impact, The Running Club reflects YARD’s commitment to creating local youth fitness opportunities that are inclusive, affordable, and community-driven.
Mentorship Matters
Another special part of this new local running group is the mentorship behind it. The Run Club was born from a collaboration between Coach Alex Macintire, Michelle, and Dustin, three people who saw a real gap in our community and decided to do something about it.
The program will be led by Coach Ethan, a former Yelm graduate and former Yelm track athlete who is currently competing as a track athlete at St. Martin’s University. As he prepares to graduate, Coach Ethan brings both experience and relatability to the program, helping younger runners see what’s possible through dedication, consistency, and support.
Additional current high school track students may also help lead future runs, creating a positive cycle of mentorship and encouragement for younger participants. That kind of leadership matters.
When youth see older students investing in the community and giving back, it creates connection. It reminds them that growth happens together.
“Running together creates more than fitness, it creates connection.”
A Beginner-Friendly Yelm Running Club
One of the biggest goals for The Running Club is making sure people feel welcome regardless of their fitness level.
Too often, running can feel intimidating for beginners. But this family running club is intentionally designed to remove that pressure.
Walkers are welcome. Beginners are welcome. Families are welcome.
Some participants may train for local races or Yelm running events, while others may simply come to move their bodies, meet new people, and enjoy being outside together. Both are equally valuable.
Membership is $60 per year, which works out to just $5 a month. For that, every member receives:
- A club shirt to wear with pride on every run
- A personalized training program designed to meet you where you are
- Weekly group runs with your community
- A run journal to track your progress and milestones
- Discounted access to community runs and YARD events throughout the year
Our hope is to create a space where people feel encouraged instead of judged where progress is personal, and showing up matters more than speed. For families searching for family fitness activities in Yelm, or parents looking for positive youth activities close to home, The Yelm Running Club offers something simple but meaningful: a healthy place to belong.
Mark Your Calendar: Sunday Runs Start May 17th
The community run club officially kicks off with Sunday afternoon runs beginning May 17th, 2026, based at YARD Campus in Yelm. The official launch celebration happens at the YARD Color Fun Run on June 13th at City Park, a perfect, joyful introduction to what this running community is all about.
Building a Healthier, More Connected Yelm
At YARD, we believe local programs create lasting ripple effects. When communities invest in youth support, mentorship, and wellness opportunities, everyone benefits. Stronger confidence leads to stronger families. Healthier routines lead to healthier communities. And small moments of encouragement can shape a young person’s future in powerful ways.
The Yelm Running Club is one more step toward creating those opportunities right here in Yelm. What makes this program especially meaningful is that it’s community-built. YARD welcomes feedback, ideas, and participation from local families as the club continues to evolve and grow.
The vision isn’t simply to create a running program, it’s to build something the entire community feels proud to be part of.
Ready to Join? Sign Up Today
Whether you’re an experienced runner, a parent bringing your kids, a student looking for positive community connection, or someone simply wanting to become more active there is a place for you here. Invite your family. Bring a friend. Walk, jog, or run at your own pace.
Fill out the registration form to secure your spot and become an official member of YARD’s community run club. If you’re signing up more than four participants, simply fill out the form more than once.
Click here to register: Yelm The Running Club
