InnerAthlete Foundation
“Transforming lives through athletic engagement—promoting mental well-being with the power of movement and mentorship.”
About IAF
At INNERATHLETE FOUNDATION (IAF), we bring people together through running, wellness, and volunteerism. From training programs to community events, our work strengthens mental health, builds resilience, and creates lasting connections.
Who we are
Founded in 2018 and formally recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2024, INNERATHLETE FOUNDATION blends movement, mentorship, and cultural inclusion to inspire growth and community impact beyond the finish line.
🏃♂️ Marathon Training & Runner Support
🚩 Deliver weekly training focused on strength, recovery, and sustainable wellness.
🚩 Supported over 300 runners and volunteers through our training network since 2020.
🚩 Helped 200+ runners reserve hotel stays for the Chicago Marathon since 2023—now expanding to Boston and New York.
🎉 Community Events
🚩 Hosted an annual summer wellness event since 2019
🚩 Organized a Chicago Marathon Celebration for the past 3 years
🚩 Played a key leadership role in CHI Runner’s pre-race party, serving over 250 runners
🚩 Coordinated a college student team for the B.A.A. 5K in 2025
💖 Giving Back to the Community
🚩 Supported a children’s leukemia foundation in Beijing annually since 2018—helping young patients stay connected to learning and life during 12–24 months of treatment
🚩 Contributed to and supported running groups including Boston Ben Running and CHI Running
🌍 Diversity & Inclusion
🚩 Represented the AAPI community as Lexington AAPI Running Club’s community ambassador in 2025
🚩 Supported the Peak Performance Youth Competitive Swimming Camp every summer since 2022
🚩 Welcomed youth, students, seniors, and AAPI communities into all programs
👋 Volunteer Leadership
🚩 Led volunteer efforts at the Chicago Marathon since 2019
🚩 Supported the Boston Marathon with Boston Ben Running Club in 2024 and 2025
🚩 Launched a small IAF volunteer team in 2025, expanding in 2026
🧘 Wellness & Movement Programs
🚩 Led over 1,000 yoga and mindfulness classes since 2018 with our team of four certified instructors
🚩 Facilitated movement classes for seniors, helping older adults stay active and connected
🚩 Hosted educational seminars with health experts, including an orthopedic specialist, to help athletes train and recover safely
🧱 Our Growth
🚩 Founded IAF in 2018 and expanded nationally by 2020
🚩 Achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2024
🚩 Gained momentum through the collaboration with running clubs and local communities
🚩 Started as a grassroots effort and gained momentum with the support of running clubs and local communities
🚩 We’re building a stronger team to help guide our growth
🌿 Join Our Movement
🚩Become a fitness or marathon training team member
🚩Volunteer at major races and wellness events
🚩Sponsor programs that inspire mental and physical wellness
🚩Donate to transform lives through movement
湘舍公益
Volunteers & Events
Since 2019
✔️ Coordinate race-week volunteers for Chicago & other city Marathons
✔️ Lead shakeout runs, carb-load parties, and celebration events
✔️ Facilitate hotel and travel logistics for runners
✔️ Build lasting community through race weekend experiences
“Serve the race. Celebrate the spirit. Build community.”
Support our Mission
🌟 Your Impact:
Sustain the work we do — keeping our training, yoga, and programs going strong year-round
Bring bold ideas to life — funding new projects and creative initiatives aligned with our mission
Raise the bar — enabling us to hire skilled professionals and grow our programs with long-term vision and sustainability
“IAF helped me reconnect with my body and mind through movement—and reminded me I’m not alone.”
— Community Member, Chicago
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