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.
Together, we raised over $65,000 for oakland’s young runners
15TH ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Run Your Own Race — from our speakers and sponsors to every guest who bid, gave, and celebrated 15 years of RBO with us. Every dollar goes straight toward free coaching, shoes, race entries, and mentorship for Oakland's youth.
The event may be over, but there’s still time to give.
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