Our Story
More Than a Running Club.
Running 505 exists because every kid in Albuquerque deserves a mentor, a team, and a reason to show up. We use running as the vehicle — and community as the destination.
Our Mission
Why We Exist
Albuquerque's youth face real challenges — disconnection, lack of opportunity, and too few adults who show up consistently. Running 505 was built to change that. We pair structured athletic programming with intentional mentorship to give kids in 4th through 8th grade something powerful: a team that believes in them.
Show Up
Consistency is the foundation. We show up for kids — every practice, every race, every hard day.
Run Hard
We push kids to discover what they're capable of — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Grow Together
No one does this alone. Athletes, mentors, and families grow side by side.
Give Back
Today's athletes become tomorrow's mentors. The cycle of impact is the whole point.
Press & Recognition
The Work Speaks for Itself
Video Feature
Running 505 — Melani Buchanan Farmer, PhD's Story
A media feature on Melani, her history, community work she does and passion for health and wellness across all ages.
Published Research
Open Access Dissertation · ProQuest
"When you grow stronger, you grow up to be a beautiful healthy person": Developing an awareness of wellness with early adolescent girls using action research
Melani Buchanan Farmer's doctoral dissertation — published through the California Institute of Integral Studies — documents the academic foundation behind Running 505's approach to youth wellness and mentorship.
The research uses action research methodology to explore how structured physical activity and mentorship develop wellness awareness in early adolescent girls — the same principles that drive every Running 505 program today.
Buchanan Farmer, M. · 2016
California Institute of Integral Studies
The Story
Founded in Albuquerque. Built for Albuquerque.
I started Running 505 because I believe every kid deserves an adult who shows up. Running gave me that. I want to give it to them.
Melani
Founder & Director
Running 505 was founded by Melani, a lifelong runner and community advocate who saw a gap between the potential of Albuquerque's youth and the resources available to them. What started as a small after-school running group has grown into a multi-school program serving dozens of athletes across the city — all free for families who need it most.
Volunteer Mentors Needed
Be the Change
The mural says it. We live it. Running 505 is only as strong as the adults who volunteer their time. If you believe kids can do hard things — and deserve someone in their corner — we want you on our team.