On Friday, September 26, runners from across Pierce and Kitsap Counties will lace up their shoes before sunrise and set out on a journey that covers much more than distance.
100 Miles for Kids is our annual fundraising relay event where staff, members, and volunteers run a combined 100 miles, starting at the Haselwood Family YMCA in Silverdale at 5am and finishing that evening at the Gordon Family YMCA in Sumner. Along the way, the baton will be passed through every community center and camp in YMCA Pierce and Kitsap Counties: Bremerton, Camp Lake Helena, Camp Seymour, Tom Taylor, Pearl Street, Lakewood, University Y, Tacoma Center, and Mel Korum.
Last year, Shane Arcadia, Senior Youth Program Director at the Tom Taylor Family YMCA, went above and beyond by completing the entire 100-mile run on his own in just 24 hours. His commitment to the run mirrored his commitment to our local youth: showing up, pushing past limits, and rallying support for programs that can change lives.
“Every mile represents an opportunity to support free teen programs, create safe spaces, and invest in the future of our youth,” said Shane. “This effort reminds us that when we push forward together, we make a lasting impact.”
Connecting Communities One Mile at a Time
Every dollar raised through 100 Miles for Kids directly supports teen programs at our Ys. These programs provide safe, supportive spaces where local teens can build confidence, make friends, find belonging in their communities, and discover their potential during some of the most formative years of their lives.
Collective Effort to Help Teens
Participants in the relay are more than athletes. They are staff, members, and volunteers who believe in investing in teens. But you don’t need to run 100 miles to make a difference. By making a gift on the 100 Miles for Kids fundraising page, you are directly supporting teens across Pierce and Kitsap Counties. Together, we can ensure every young person has a place to belong, grow, and thrive.