In an age dominated by devices and constant distraction, connecting young people with nature is more critical than ever. The benefits of the great outdoors are physical, mental, and spiritual —especially for city kids who often lack access to wild spaces.

Run Wild is a Hudson Valley non-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to protecting our natural environment by engaging runners in land conservation and stewardship projects. One of our most vital missions is introducing the next generation to the life-changing sport of trail running, which we’ve done in recent years by sponsoring young athletes at local trail races. A prime example is our partnership with the Hudson Highlands Nature Center, which hosts an annual 5k trail race in Cornwall, New York. Working with the Nature Center, we’ve created a deeply welcoming, kid-centric event that hosts close to a hundred young runners —from toddlers walking hand-in-hand with parents to high schoolers flying along the course.

A Bold New Vision for 2026–2027

To advocate for youth running on a much larger scale, Run Wild is sponsoring a documentary film designed to inspire schools, clubs, and communities nationwide.

The film chronicles the Happy Feet Trail Running Club within the Hackensack, New Jersey School District. This past spring, facing a staggering $17 million budget shortfall, the district eliminated all after-school programs.

Happy Feet stands as the one exception.

Founded by Jeff Bock —an Army Airborne veteran, history teacher, and ultrarunner—the club empowers urban youth by providing access to nearby mountain trails. The club has so far been funded entirely by community donations, including those raised through Sassquad Trail Running’s Squatch Kids Trail Fund, championed by ultrarunner Kim Levinsky, who is passionate that no child should ever be turned away.

The upcoming documentary follows these students as they are transformed from tentative beginners into triumphant mountain runners and shares with viewers their contagious, genuine joy.

Through intimate interviews with the runners, parents, and teachers, the film illustrates the profound, universal impact of bringing students to the trails. It is directed by Shai Ben-Dor, who specializes in storytelling surrounding community and the human spirit, and whose work has been recognized by the Emmys and Webby Awards. His previous film, The Long Path, served as a moving love letter to mental health advocacy and the beautiful long-distance trails in New York’s Hudson Valley.

Happy feet trailer: https://vimeo.com/1194351829

Long Path trailer: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thelongpath

How You Can Help

With Run Wild stepping in as the official Impact Partner, all donations toward this project are now fully tax-deductible. The producers have self-funded $10,000 in production costs so far. We are now raising $30,000 to bring this film through high-standard post-production and onto the screen. Any excess funds raised will be directed to youth running initiatives consistent with the Run Wild non-profit mission.

If you'd like to send funds directly to Run Wild, Inc. via check or Donor Advised Fund grant, our official address is 95 Aumick Road, Wallkill, NY 12589 and our IRS identification number is 85-1138296.

Your contribution, big or small, will help us amplify the vital message that our youth belong outdoors. Together, we can teach them to move, connect, and discover a source of resilience and joy which will help them navigate our modern, high-tech world with confidence and purpose.