Junior Leggers – A Free Kids Running Club and Family Movement Community in Los Angeles
Junior Leggers is a free kids running club and family movement program for elementary school-aged children (ages 6-12) and their parents in Santa Monica.
Every Sunday morning at 8am, families come together to run, walk, play, and explore while building healthy habits, confidence, fitness, and community.
Whether your child is an experienced runner or completely new to running, our goal is to make movement fun and help kids develop a lifelong love of being active.
No cost. No membership required. No experience necessary.
What We Do
Our weekly outings are approximately 2 miles, but this isn’t about pace, performance, or competition.
Some kids run. Some walk. Most do a little of both.
Along the way we stop regularly to regroup, ensuring nobody gets left behind. We play observation games, count squirrels and dogs, tell jokes, notice interesting things in our environment, and occasionally get a little silly with our movements.
The goal is simple: To help children discover that movement can be fun.
We focus on three core principles:
- Movement – We believe regular movement builds physical health, confidence, resilience, and lifelong habits.
- Community – We create opportunities for children and parents to build friendships and feel connected to something bigger than themselves.
- Fun – We believe children are more likely to stay active when movement feels like play, adventure, and exploration.
We also encourage curiosity and appreciation for the world around us by slowing down, observing, and noticing the environment we share.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Throughout 2026, Junior Leggers will continue meeting informally every Sunday morning.
Beginning in January 2027, we will launch a more structured Junior Leggers season running through March 2027. During the program, children and parents will gradually build their fitness, confidence, distance, and pace together, culminating in participation in the LA 5K.
The focus won’t be on racing or competition. It will be on setting a goal, supporting one another, and discovering what is possible through consistent effort and community.
Meet Your Core Mentors
Led by Experienced Runners & Educators
Jeff Tan
Former LA Leggers president, ultramarathoner, and current head mentor of the 9/9.5’s pace group. As a parent of a 3rd grader at Franklin Elementary, Jeff brings both running expertise and a deep understanding of what makes kids excited about movement.
Jill Armington
Mentor of the 9/9.5’s pace group and former 3rd grade teacher currently working in the nonprofit education sector. Jill knows how to make learning – and running – fun, engaging, and age-appropriate.
Both mentors have completed child safety training including RRCA’s Abuse Awareness and California AB 506 Mandated Reporter Training.
Junior Leggers is also supported by LA Leggers mentors Brendon Cassidy, Brooke Rowland, Jim Doyle, and other members of the LA Leggers community.
Why Junior Leggers?
The Benefits Go Beyond Running
For Kids:
- Build healthy habits through movement
- Improve endurance and fitness
- Prepare for a future 5K
- Make friends and build confidence
- Enjoy quality parent-child time outdoors
- Discover the fun of running in a supportive community
For Parents:
- Quality time with your child
- Model healthy lifestyle habits
- Be part of a supportive community
- Create lasting memories
- Watch your child discover their strength
For Families:
- Strengthen family bonds through shared activity
- Connect with other LA Leggers families
- Build traditions around movement and wellness
- Experience the power of community support
Junior Leggers meets every Sunday morning at the Palisades Picnic Tables in Santa Monica. Families from Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Venice, Mar Vista, Culver City, and surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Junior Leggers a running club for beginners?
A: Yes. Our kids running program is designed for children of all fitness levels, including beginners who may prefer to walk portions of the route.
Q: What age/grade is eligible?
A: This is intended for elementary-aged children in grades K-5. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Q: Does my child need running experience?
A: Not at all! We use a walk/run method designed for beginners. Every child moves at their own pace.
Q: What if my child can’t run the full distance?
A: That’s completely fine! Walking is encouraged. The goal is to keep moving and have fun, not to run continuously.
Q: Do I have to be a Leggers member?
A: Nope, the program is designed for all families – both LA Leggers and everyone else.
Q: What if we miss a session?
A: We understand life happens! We recommend you and your child find time to run together in the meantime and rejoin the group the following week.
Q: What’s the weather policy?
A: We run rain or shine! In case of severe weather (heavy rain, lightning, extreme heat), we’ll notify families by 6:30am on Sunday.
Q: Can siblings attend if they’re younger/older?
A: While this program is intended for grades K-5, we understand siblings might want/need to join. They can do so with parent supervision.
Q: How much does this cost?
A: This is free. We’re a group of parents and kids who love running and want to share this gift with everyone else.
Q: Is this a 5K training program for kids?
A: Our informal Sunday meetups focus on movement and fun. Beginning in January 2027, Junior Leggers will offer a structured youth running program that gradually builds toward completing the LA 5K.
Join Us
Junior Leggers is open to all families in the Los Angeles community.
You do not need to be an LA Leggers member to participate.
There is no cost to join.
The price of entry is simply showing up with a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute to the community.
Families are welcome to join us any Sunday. While not required, we encourage you to email us beforehand so we can answer any questions and help you get connected.
For more information:
juniorleggers@gmail.com
When: Sundays at 8:00 AM
Where: Palisades Park Picnic Tables: 201 Ocean Ave Ext, Santa Monica, CA 90402
See you on Sunday.
Jeff Tan
Junior Leggers Program Mentor
