Pictured Above: Striders Danny Dimeo with Run Strong Scholarship Recipients Holly Alchin and Grady Denman
On Saturday July 26th Chico Striders, Chico Running Club, and our wonderfully enthusiastic running community came together to celebrate the next generation of runners—those amazing student athletes who still have functioning knees. We were proud to be part of awarding $5,000 in scholarships to local youth runners—made possible through the generosity of the Striders and with support from longtime community partners, including CRC.
For 50 years, Chico Running Club has championed running—not just as a sport, but as a lifestyle. From cheering at finish lines to lacing up with friends at dawn, CRC has been here promoting health, grit, and joyful suffering in the name of cardio. And yes, we’ve also been proud to support youth runners with scholarships across those decades.
And here’s the truth: it’s easy to support athletes when they’re already pros—when the medals are won, the headlines are written, and everyone’s trying to get in the photo. But the time to support them is now—when they need the belief, the encouragement, and yes, the funding to keep chasing their dreams.
Because this is when it matters most. So they can go on to do great things, keep Chico on the running map, and someday, come back to keep that legacy going.
That’s why we’re here today. And we’re proud to keep showing up.
This isn’t just a scholarship check and a handshake. It’s a whole extended community turning out to say, “We believe in you.” From seasoned marathoners to early-morning joggers and folks who just come for the coffee and cowbells, this is what showing up for the next generation looks like.
To the young runners honored today: You’ve already inspired us. Keep going. Keep grinding. We’ll be at the finish line—and every water station along the way— cheering you on. And to everyone who’s donated, volunteered, or shouted encouragement from a folding chair on the sidelines: this is your win too.
Go get ’em!