The LACE Up! program is designed for Chicago Run program alumni who are now in high school or beyond. This program provides opportunities for volunteering, career exploration, and paid peer coaching/and mentoring. Participants develop leadership skills while continuing to build their physical and social and emotional well-being. Some of the participants in this program are employed by Chicago Run to serve as Junior Coaches during the summer and help mentor and train their younger peers.
Meet these amazing young leaders:
MiaZoe Corral
MiaZoe was born and raised in the Chicago Southwest area. She loves music and drawing, and has a cat named SouthPaw. She enjoys running races with her parents, especially ones that give away medals. MiaZoe has completed The Color Run, the Glow in the Dark 5k, and The Turkey Trot run among others. She also enjoys helping her mom organize The Midway Mile Chasers running group and runs with new members to help them stay motivated. MiaZoe graduated from Sawyer Elementary in 2020 and attends Noble Mansueto High School. She looks forward to coaching with Chicago Run and helping other young people, just as her coaches have helped her conquer many runs in the past.
Lesly Estrada
Lesly was born and raised in Chicago. Having graduated from 8th grade at Sawyer Elementary School in 2020, she now goes to Mansueto High School and hopes to be a cardiologist one day. Lesly started participating in the Running Mates program when she was in 6th grade. She has had a great experience with Chicago Run, and wants to be able to help other kids have the same experience as she did. (Photograph, left)
Martin Garcia
Martin lives in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. He has lived there his entire life and chose to go to Infinity Math, Science, and Technology high-school over some selective enrollment schools so he could stay close to home and contribute to his home community. Martin started with Chicago Run in 8th grade as a Running Mates participant. Being a self-starter, Martin was critical to bringing the Running Mates program to Infinity, the first high-school to be involved in that program. While Martin didn’t grow up as a runner, he now is very passionate about the sport & believes in the power of running to open many paths and opportunities in life. With his vast experience & knowledge, Martin is excited to help others accomplish their goals & inspire them as a Chicago Run Coach.
Amy Jasso
Amy was born and raised in Little Village neighborhood on the South side of Chicago. First starting in 7th grade, she now attends high school at Walton Payton, hoping to be a part of Chicago Run for more years to come. She hopes to encourage other kids to run not only for a healthier lifestyle but for the enjoyment of it. She plans on completing a couple of marathons along with triathlons over the next couple of years. She’s always enjoyed running as well as drawing/ painting. She enjoys attending the summer program at little village with her sister along with friends. Amy is excited to help others join the program as well as assist other students while coaching.
Larke Johnson
Born and raised in Chicago, Larke comes from a family of running enthusiasts. Despite being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as an infant, Larke has been driven to keep up the family tradition. Currently a junior at Ogden IB High School, Larke has participated in running events with Special Olympics since grammar school. In 2019, she was introduced to the Race Runner, a device that enables individuals with movement challenges to run independently. It is her desire to encourage others like her to fully engage in running activities. In her spare time, Larke enjoys yoga, ballet, and horseback riding.
Alejandro Joleanis
Alejandro grew up in Little Village and started running with Chicago Run in 7th grade. He now attends high school at Walter Payton and is ready for more fun memories with Chicago Run. Alejandro shares that participating in Chicago Run programming has helped him open, and he now enjoys speaking in front of others. He enjoys spending his free time learning languages, playing video games, and talking with many different people. Alejandro is very excited to be a Junior Coach and hopes it helps others the way it has helped him. (Far right in the photo)
Zayra Juarez
Zayra was raised in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago and has been in Chicago Run programs since 8th grade. She now attends Little Village Lawndale High School. Zayra joined as a way to exercise and ended up loving the experiences Chicago Run gave her. Before Chicago Run, she didn't envision herself as someone who could cross the finish line. But with the help of her coaches at Chicago Run, she has been able to finish anything she puts her mind to. Becoming a Chicago Run coach has given Zayra the opportunity to encourage younger runners to meet their goals and help them cross the finish line.
Derrick Norman
Derrick was born and raised in the Austin community of Chicago. He hopes to become a lawyer one day, but is an athlete at heart. Derrick, who graduated high school in 2020, started with Chicago Run in 6th grade as a Running Mates participant and has a strong passion for helping kids. Derrick enjoys combining his passion for athletics with helping kids as a Chicago Run Coach.