The Run Rx Strong Strides Initiative

The Strong Strides Initiative is a scholarship-style program designed to support 2–3 female high school runners per year who may face barriers to accessing specialized care.

Through individualized physical therapy, performance support, and mentorship, our goal is to help athletes stay healthy, build durability, and navigate the transition to collegiate running with confidence.

Find Detailed Program Info Here

Participation in sport is strongly linked to confidence, leadership, and long-term success — yet many female athletes lack access to trusted, evidence-based guidance during critical developmental years.

We’ve seen firsthand how confusing the messaging can be around:

• Injury and return-to-run decisions

• Training load and performance expectations

• Body image and fueling

• Navigating collegiate athletics

Strong Strides exists to provide clarity, support, and long-term direction — not just short-term solutions.

Selected athletes will receive:

• Comprehensive runner-specific evaluation + gait analysis

• 8 one-on-one performance physical therapy sessions

• Individualized programming for:

  • Injury prevention or recovery

  • Strength + movement efficiency

  • Return-to-run or performance progression

• Education around:

  • Training, recovery, and durability

  • Long-term athletic development

• Access to and sessions with a network of trusted experts (nutrition, mental performance, etc. as available)

This program is intended for athletes who:

• Identify as female

• Are middle or high school distance runners (8th grade+)

• Have aspirations to compete at the collegiate level

• Face financial, logistical, or access-related barriers to specialized care

Strong Strides is an access-based initiative, not a free performance service.

Our goal is to support athletes who may not otherwise have access to this level of care. We ask that all nominations thoughtfully reflect this mission.

Athletes may be nominated by:

• Themselves

• Coaches

• Parents/guardians

• Healthcare providers

• Teachers or community members

Complete the form to submit a nomination. 👉

• Nominations are reviewed on a rolling basis

• We will select 2-4 athletes a year as strong candidates emerge

• Additional follow-up may be requested during the review process

We’re proud to collaborate with a growing network of professionals who share a commitment to supporting female athletes through all aspects of health, performance, and development.

Current partners include:

• Olivia Papakyrikios — Sports Performance Mental Health

• Women’s Health & Sports Performance Medical — Sports Dietitian

• The Run Rx Team — Physical Therapy & Performance

Together, we aim to provide athletes with thoughtful, well-rounded support beyond the traditional model of care.

Additional partners will be announced on a rolling basis.

Strong Strides is designed to grow through collaboration.

As the initiative expands, we are looking to partner with professionals and organizations who want to support the next generation of female athletes.

Ways to get involved may include:

• Donating professional services (e.g., nutrition, mental performance, medical guidance)

• Providing equipment or resources (running shoes, sports bras, training gear)

• Supporting athlete access (transportation, education, etc.)

Our goal is to build a small, trusted network of contributors so that each athlete receives meaningful support while respecting each provider’s time and expertise.

Interested in contributing or learning more?
👉Contact Us