FREE YOUTH RUNNING PROGRAMS | OAKLAND, CA
Every Oakland Kid Belongs at the starting line
RBO brings Oakland's K-12 students together to run, grow, and build community — with coaching, race opportunities, and mentorship every step of the way.
RBO 2026 Annual Fundraiser –
Run Your Own Race
Thursday, September 24, 2026 · 6:00 PM
GU Energy Headquarters
Join us for an evening of stories, community, and support for Oakland's youth runners — featuring Magda Boulet, Alysia Montaño, Cal Calamia, and Zagdaa Baatar, plus a raffle with prizes including race entries and local experiences.
This year, we're celebrating 15 years of Running for a Better Oakland — 15 years of free youth running programs, mentorship, and race-day moments that have shaped thousands of Oakland kids.
496
Students Served*
148
Pairs of Shoes Given*
244
total volunteers*
10
races attended*
*During the Fall 2025/Spring 2026 Seasons
Ready to get involved?
Students
Free running program, K–12.
Run mentors
Guide a student to the finish line.
youth coaches
Teens building leadership skills.
donate
Fund shoes, races, and mentorship.
OUR MISSION
Go the Extra Mile — In
Running and in Life
We empower all school-age Oakland children, regardless of ability, to go the extra mile — in running and in life — by providing access to meaningful running programs.
OUR VISION
A Community in
Joyful Motion
We meet Saturday mornings at Snow Park by Lake Merritt, building a community where every student, parent, and volunteer moves forward together.
LEADERSHIP
Meet RBO’s executive director:
Jessica de leon
A Bay Area native, passionate runner, and founder of Hella Bae Running, Jess (or JDL) brings more than a decade of leadership experience and a deep commitment to youth engagement.
"My son likes to exercise with his friends around, and my daughter is shy, but running with others opens her up. They love RBO."
— Aida Benites, RBO Mom & Volunteer