Empowering the Next Generation of Skyrunners: Introducing John Kerrigan's Vision for Youth Skyrunning in the U.S.
Today, we have the honor of highlighting the remarkable work of John Kerrigan, a distinguished high school teacher, track, cross-country, and Nordic skiing coach with over four decades of experience.
An avid skyrunner and the Assistant Coach for the USA Youth Skyrunning Team, John has devoted his career to fostering athletic talent and empowering youth.
Photo Credits to the owner
(Coach John Kerrigan on the left)
Skyrunning is an ancient sport with its roots tracing back over 6,000 years to the Italian and Austrian Alps. It involves traversing steep, high-altitude terrain, evoking images of runners dropped from the sky. Today, this awe-inspiring sport brings together thousands of athletes from over 50 countries to compete in two disciplines: Vertical Kilometer and Skyrun.
John and his son Ryan have been coaching USA youth for the World Junior Skyrunning Championships since 2017, helping them compete against runners from over 30 countries.
Here is a glimpse of these young skyrunners in action at the 2021 championships in Italy: 2021 Championships Video.
Despite geographic challenges, as our mountain ranges are thousands of miles apart, our American Youth Skyrunners have made an impression on the world stage. In 2018 and 2019, Sophia Sanchez from the Lake Tahoe Region of California clinched first place among all youth women. Similarly, Mikey Connelly received the bronze medal for U18 youth male runners in 2019.
(Photo credits to www.skyrunningus.com)
However, our USA youth runners need support. Currently, they are self-funded, covering their own transportation, accommodations, entrance and licensing fees. John and Ryan have been helping out, but there's only so much they can do on their own.
John's vision goes beyond just individual achievements. He aspires to create a thriving, diverse, and united community of skyrunners in the U.S., helping more American youths explore this exhilarating sport. To achieve this, he needs your help.
Funds raised will:
Support talented youth runners, irrespective of their financial status, to attend the Skyrunning World Youth Championships in Italy in summer 2023.
Organize skyrunning clinics to bring together like-minded youths from various U.S. mountain environments.
Stage a series of skyrunning races, potentially leading to a USA Youth Championship.
(Photo credits to www.skyrunningus.com)
For more information about skyrunning in the U.S., visit Skyrunning US.
John's dream is to foster a unique brand of "esprit de corps" among the U.S. skyrunning community, enhancing a sense of belonging and unity among runners training across our diverse mountain ranges. Let's come together to support this vision.
Please consider making a small donation. Even a contribution of just $10 could make a significant difference.
John Kerrigan, Assistant US Skyrunning Coach, and a member of the Run Vermont Hall of Fame, extends his heartfelt thanks for your support in this endeavor.
Together, let's help more youth #runwithoutceilings
Link to donate Click Here
Jennifer Degen
July 31, 2023
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