Twenty-one Wichita student-athletes walked away with free running shoes on Aug. 16, as Run Wichita kicked off its annual "Run It Forward" giveaway just days before the start of cross-country season.

The community running group, which has hosted the giveaways since 2023, partners with Fartleks, a running specialty shop at 535 W. Douglas Ave. in the Delano district, to collect gently used shoes and distribute them to young runners who need them. At least 100 pairs are donated for each event, and every pair is inspected to ensure it will hold up through the season, KSN reported.

Ashley Herman, a Wichita mother of four cross-country runners, has brought her kids to multiple Run It Forward events over the years. She told KSN on Sunday that the giveaway offers more than footwear.

"It's awesome — they get to try on shoes and figure out what kind of works best for them and get advice from the other more experienced runners," Herman said.

With four kids logging miles, Herman said events like Run It Forward ease the financial burden on families. Participants at the giveaway noted that shoes should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles to prevent injuries, a cost that adds up fast for households with multiple runners.

The timing is no accident. Aug. 21 is the KSHSAA-designated first day of competition for high school cross-country in Kansas. That means many of the students fitted on Sunday will lace up for their first race within the week.

A second Run It Forward giveaway is scheduled for that same day Aug. 21, at Fartleks from 6 to 7 p.m. Run Wichita said it expects a larger turnout at the follow-up event. Students heading into cross-country season who need shoes can show up during that window at 535 W. Douglas Ave. or contact Fartleks at (316) 358-9759.