Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about enrollment, cost, and accessibility — can't find what you need? Reach out and we'll help.
Enrollment & Participation
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During the season, we meet at Snow Park by Lake Merritt for practice on Saturdays. We will not have practice on race weekends. Check-in for practices begins at 8:30am - please join us during check-in to pick up your name tag, eat snack, and meet the other runners. Training begins at 9am.
Depending on the training agenda for the day, practices will end between 10:30am and 11am.
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Yes. As part of our commitment to equitable access, RBO maintains an Open Enrollment policy throughout the entire season.
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No, but attendance matters for one specific benefit: runners must attend at least 50% of practices to receive free entries to local races through RBO.
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Run Mentors including coaches are asked to pay $20 to cover the cost of an annual background check. It is critical to RBO that this cost is not a barrier to participation for anybody! Please don’t hesitate to contact RBO if you need financial assistance to cover the cost of your background check.
Run Mentors including coaches are also required to complete a free Sexual Abuse Awareness and Reporting Training every year.
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Absolutely! Everybody is welcome at RBO! Whether you are an experienced runner or just getting started, we would love to have you run with us this season. No matter what stage you are at on your running journey, there is a student at Running for a Better Oakland who can benefit from your mentorship - both in races and beyond the finish line.
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No, you do not need to live in Oakland to run with RBO! We have students and volunteers that travel from all over Northern California to run with us each season. Everybody is welcome at Running for a Better Oakland!
Cost & Fees
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Yes — RBO has operated as a tuition-free program since Fall 2021, thanks to community support.
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Run Mentors, including coaches, are asked to pay $20 to cover an annual background check. This is never meant to be a barrier — contact RBO if you need financial assistance.
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A free Sexual Abuse Awareness and Reporting Training, every year.
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No. Bibs are purchased for our runners throught donations and grants from the community that supports RBO.
Accessibility
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Yes. In compliance with the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title III of the ADA, RBO is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to participants who need them to fully participate. If you or your student need accommodations, please email us at director@rboakland.org.