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about the covenant house marathon program

Our endurance athletic program is a partnership between Covenant House and popular athletic events across the United States. We offer athletes at all levels of competition the opportunity to make their miles more meaningful by supporting homeless youth while they train and compete. Our team is small but mighty and every team member is invited into our Covenant House family, receiving personal attention from staff and volunteer leaders.

Our endurance program was founded in 2009 from the vision of one volunteer - Bill Cannon - along with the support of his family and the dedication of Covenant House staff and Board members. Together they ran with and coached 25 runners in the ING New York City Marathon. Since that debut in the marathon, runners have participated in other prestigious races of various lengths, including the Spring Lake 5 Mile Run, New Orleans' 10K Crescent City Classic, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, and Ironman Lake Placid.

how does covenant house help youth overcome homelessness?

Covenant House empowers young people to overcome homelessness and trafficking by providing them with safe housing, food and clothing, and relentless support. 

In 31 cities across the United States, Latin America, and Canada, young people are funding hope, strengthening their resilience, and making progress towards their goals with the help of Covenant House's continuum of care, which includes job training, education opportunities, legal aid, health care, and mental health counseling as well as birthday parties, movie nights, and community meetings. Through it all, Covenant House is guided by the principles of offering every young person unconditional love and absolute respect. 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Covenant House has remained open for young people with no place left to turn. Essential workers adapted quickly to keep our Houses safe and accessible for young people 24/7. 

Many of the young people living at Covenant House have had promises broken their whole lives. But because of the determined efforts of front-line staff and unyielding commitment from supporters like our marathon team runners, that changes when they walk through our doors.

Our marathon runners do more than commit to running 26.2 miles throughout New York's five boroughs. Our community of fundraisers and advocates helps to keep the lights on and doors open in 31 cities where young people are welcomed 24/7.