Health & Community Outreach
YUP Community Impact Run
The YUP Community Impact Runs are biweekly gatherings held during Kigali’s Car Free Day where members of the Youth Uplift Initiative community come together to run, exercise, connect, and raise support for people in need. The initiative promotes both physical wellbeing and social impact.
Program Overview
The YUP Community Impact Runs are a community-driven initiative by the Youth Uplift Initiative (YUP) designed to combine health, connection, and social impact.
Every first and third Sunday of the month, during Kigali’s Car Free Day, members of the YUP community gather early in the morning to run, walk, exercise, and spend meaningful time together.
But the runs go beyond fitness. They are also a moment for the community to connect, reflect, and mobilize support for vulnerable individuals in need. Through these gatherings, participants contribute small donations, share ideas, and strengthen a culture of compassion and solidarity.
Starting at 6:30 AM and ending at 10:00 AM, the runs create a space where young people can care for their physical health, mental wellbeing, and community responsibility all at once.
The program encourages anyone — whether a runner, walker, or supporter — to join a growing movement that believes healthy communities are built through both action and empathy.
Outcomes
- Improved physical health and active lifestyles among youth
- Stronger community connections and peer support networks
- Funds raised to support vulnerable individuals in need
- Increased awareness of social responsibility and collective action
- A consistent platform for community dialogue and mentorship