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PROGRAMS

We have three signature programs that bring our mission to life.

Running Is A Right

Running Is A Right seeks to provide young people living with limb loss the access they need to recreational prosthetics. We’ve partnered with Shriners Hospitals for Children to produce special events across the country that engage and inspire.

Learn more here.

The Dream Big Marathon

The Dream Big Marathon dares kids to run 26 miles, read 26 books, and perform 26 acts of kindness. Inspired by the Dream Big children’s book, classrooms, scout troops and other groups of young people can take part in this nationwide experience.

Discover more here.

Grants

Twice each year, the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation will award grants to organizations that share our mission to help youth discover a passion for running, reading, and acts of kindness, leading to an increase in their self-confidence and self-respect while empowering them to move forward—one step at a time.

Learn how to apply here.

 
 

Running Is A Right

Every child deserves the chance to run, play and belong.

Overview

Running is one of the most fundamental ways kids move, play, and participate. For young people living with limb loss, access to a recreational running prosthetic can open the door to sports, fitness, confidence, and connection.

Running Is A Right, founded and spearheaded by Brooke Raasch, provides young people living with limb loss access to recreational prosthetics. Through special events with Shriners Hospitals for Children, patients are fitted with free running blades, receive training, and have the chance to meet other children who understand their experience.

“Now I feel like I’m on an even playing field, with the same chance as everyone else.”
— Running Is A Right Recipient

  • Many sports require the ability to run. Insurance companies in the United States consider running prosthetics a luxury, which can make access difficult for children and families. Running blades can help young people participate in sports, enjoy healthy movement, and build confidence through physical activity.

  • The Foundation partners with Shriners Hospitals for Children to produce special events across the country. At these events, patients are fitted with free running blades, trained in how to use them, and given an opportunity to meet and engage with other children living with limb loss.

  • Supporters can donate to help the Foundation bring Running Is A Right to more young people.

For more information on upcoming events, contact us now.

 
 

DREAM BIG MARATHON

 

26 Miles. 26 Books. 26 Acts of Kindness.

Overview

The Dream Big Marathon is a goal-setting program that encourages students to complete 26 miles, read 26 books, and perform 26 acts of kindness. More than a marathon, it's a fun and engaging way to build confidence, develop healthy habits, and show students that big goals are achieved one step at a time.

Students will experience social-emotional learning alongside healthy movement and exercise, harnessing the mind-body connection for a successful life. Based on the story of running legend Dave McGillivray's beginnings with the Boston Marathon, the overall themes include overcoming challenges, creating plans to reach your goals, celebrating your accomplishments, and believing in yourself!

“My students learned that accomplishing big goals starts with taking one small step.”
— Dream Big Marathon Facilitator

  • The program is designed for elementary and middle school students and can be implemented by schools, classrooms, after-school programs, youth organizations, and community groups. No running experience is required—just a willingness to participate and grow.

  • Students track their progress as they complete 26 miles of movement, read 26 books, and perform 26 acts of kindness over the course of the program. Educators and program leaders can adapt the timeline and activities to best fit their students and schedule.

  • Dream Big Marathon helps students:

    • Build self-confidence

    • Develop a love of reading

    • Practice kindness and empathy

    • Learn the value of setting and achieving goals

    • Celebrate progress, not just the finish line

  • Getting started is easy. The Finish Strong Foundation provides resources and guidance to help educators and community leaders bring the program to life. Whether you're looking to inspire one classroom or an entire school, we're here to help.

This program is our mission come to life and we are seeking teachers, scout leaders, after-school program leaders and more to help us bring this experience to kids across the US. We have both a signature version of the program, as well as ways to customize it to fit your group’s needs and schedule

Ready to start?

We'd love to help bring the Dream Big Marathon to your school or organization. Click below to get started.

Start a Program

Want to support the Dream Big Marathon? Donate today!