Let’s kick off 2021 with some fun! Did you know every day is a special day with a reason to celebrate? From traditional holidays and commemorations to silly themed days, we will keep kids moving with the Rising New York Road Runners Holiday Hoopla Virtual Challenge. Some new and familiar faces will lead your kids through 12 weeks of activities to keep them physically and emotionally strong. Kids can participate in 60 activities and track their progress using the printable Holiday Hoopla trackers.

Sign your child or your class up and get started today!

Getting Started:
Select a holiday from the calendar and follow the activity videos and PDFs. As an added bonus, we’ve included tips and fast facts to celebrate National Hobby Month (January), Black History Month (February), and National Women’s History Month (March). Kids log their progress using one of the activity trackers. Hold a big celebration and print out a certificate when you're done with the challenge.

Educator's Guide
Here are three fun ways to incorporate the Holiday Hoopla Virtual Challenge into your lesson plans.

Holiday Hoopla Trackers
This is your plan to celebrate each holiday, track your progress, and record your learnings along the way.

Printable Certificate

No printer? No worries! Have your kids interact with the digital calendar below or have them create their own! Click an icon to jump to a month of activities.

March: Women's History Month

Week One

National Pig Day

It's National Pig Day! Follow these simple Animal Motion instructions to learn the activity. Choose your animals, then get moving!

Women's History Month Fact: Susan B. Anthony was a women's rights activist and leader of the women's suffrage movement that led to the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

I Want You to Be Happy Day

After a few activities or a run, join Rudy for Sporting Spirit Cool Down. Then do something that makes you happy for the rest of the day.

Women's History Month Fact: Ella Fitzgerald is one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. She is the winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and 12 Grammy awards.

National Day of Unplugging

Today is all about taking a break from our devices. Recharge your mind and body with Jenny in Individual Balance Challenges. Then try to stay off your phone and computer unless you have school work to do.

Women's History Month Fact: Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician known as the first person ever to publish an algorithm intended for a computer. For this work, she became the world’s first computer programmer. 

Dentist’s Day

Celebrate Dentist’s Day by showing off their beautiful work with a big smile! Brush your teeth then try some stretches in Cool Down with Daniel Romanchuk.

Women's History Month Fact: Marie Curie was a Polish-born pioneering physicist and chemist who coined the term radioactivity, discovered two new elements (radium and polonium), and developed a portable X-ray machine.

National Cereal Day

Time for Side Lateral Raises! To challenge yourself, use your favorite box of cereal as a weight. Try different boxes with varying weights to test your strength. 

Women's History Month Fact: Althea Gibson was the first Black woman to play at Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world.

Week Two

International Day of Awesomeness

Celebrate all things awesome around the world! Grab an awesome socially distant partner for an awesome game of Evolution with Jenny and Annie.

Women's History Month Fact: Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.

Johnny Appleseed Day

Johnny Appleseed introduced apple trees to different parts of the U.S. Let's use some apples in our DIY Fruit Salad recipe.

Women's History Month Fact: Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the first Jewish woman and the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court.

Rising New York Road Runners Holiday

Last but not least, thank you to our Rising New York Road Runners parents, guardians, and caring adults! We celebrate you for keeping your kids active and, we hope, moving along with them. Remember to share our virtual challenges with other adults so all your kids can track their progress together. Join your kid for Dance Fitness Cool Down!

Women's History Month Fact: Grete Waitz was the first female world-class track athlete to move up to the marathon and the first woman to finish a marathon in under 2 hours and 30 minutes. Between 1978 to 1988, she won the New York City Marathon nine times. In 1998, Waitz became the chair of the New York Road Runners Foundation, which has evolved into Rising New York Road Runners.

Pi Day

How many decimal places of pi do you know? Now, how many types of pie do you know? As you think about your answers, get active with How Many. 

Women's History Month Fact: Katherine Johnson was one of the first Black women to work as a NASA scientist. Her calculations on orbital mechanics were important to the success of the first space flights for astronauts.

Week Three

National Panda Day

Head on a Jungle Adventure with Jenny and Annie. Don't forget to spend time with the panda bear on her special day!

Women's History Month Fact: Selena Quintanilla-Perez, aka Selena is one of the most influential Latinx artists of all time. She was a pop superstar who earned a Grammy in 1993.

St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick's Day is all about celebrating Ireland! Put on some green clothes and warm up with Beverly in Work It.

Women's History Month Fact: Maya Angelou is considered one of the most influential women in American history ─ a poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist, whose award-winning memoir made literary history as the first nonfiction best-seller by a Black woman.

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day

Women's History Month Fact: As a teenager during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Anne Frank wrote what would be one of the most read books in the world.

International Day of Happiness

Let's take our happiness international on this first day of spring. Join Rudy in six exercises during a game of International Relay. Bring happiness to someone else and boost their mood!

Women's History Month Fact: Misty Copeland became the first Black principal ballerina at the American Ballet Theatre in 2015.

Week Four

National Chip and Dip Day

Double dip into some Push-Ups with Daniel and a celebration of chips and dip. There are many different chips and dips to find a combination everyone will enjoy. you can also make your own dip, with your parent/guardian, and share the recipe with your friends and family.

Women's History Month Fact: Rita Moreno is the only Latinx person to earn the coveted EGOT (which means she's won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony).

National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day

Read Follow the Leader to practice two-handed underhand tossing. For a snack today, try chocolate covered raisins.

Women's History Month Fact: By refusing to give up her seat on a crowded bus, Rosa Parks sparked the Montgomery bus boycott ─ a cornerstone of the civil rights movement.

International Waffle Day

Since a Hopscotch board looks like a waffle, let’s do both today! Read the instructions for the activity before you begin.

Women's History Month Fact: Ellen Ochoa is the first Latinx female astronaut. She served on a nine-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1993.

Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

Jenny and Teddy Bear want you to join them in a few stretches. Then come up with your own holiday and how you plan to celebrate with friends. Share it on our Facebook page so we can celebrate with you!

Women's History Month Fact: Mary Church Terrell was one of the first Black women to earn a college master’s degree. She graduated in 1888 with a degree in Education from Oberlin College, the first college in the United States to accept Black and female students. 

Something on a Stick Day

Read Balance Like Me to learn fun ways to turn a simple thing into something fun. Do the same with your food by eating it off a stick.

Women's History Month Fact: Maya Lin is the designer of two national memorials: The Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, AL, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

National Doctors’ Day

Celebrate National Doctors’ Day by using your senses! Rachel will teach you Sensory Poem and Sensory Breathing. Don't forget to thank your doctor for helping to keep you healthy and strong.

Women's History Month Fact: Clara Barton started treating injured soilders during the Civil War and became the founder and first president of the American Red Cross.

National Crayon Day

Aliphine will pick a movement and a shape in Trace the Shape. Jog in a triangle or skip in a circle. Then grab a crayon to draw more shapes or color in a coloring book for a creative break from your fitness activities.

Women's History Month Fact: Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is considered one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.

Reflect upon the people you learned about this month. Who else do you admire in Women’s History? Tell your family, friends, and teachers why you admire this person.

February: Black History Month

Week One

National Freedom Day

National Freedom Day celebrates equality for all Americans. It was the day in 1865 that President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to the Consitution which outlawed slavery. When things are equal, there is a balance. Read Balance Activity and practice different poses to improve your balance.

Black History Month Fact: Kamala Harris is the first Black, South Asian, female, and historically Black university graduate elected to the office of Vice President of the United States.

Groundhog Day

On this day, if the groundhog sees its shadow we’ll have six more weeks of winter. If there’s no shadow, spring is just around the corner! Grab a socially distant partner and take turns being the leader in Mirror Mirror.

Black History Month Fact: In 1926, Carter G. Woodson started the celebration of "Negro History Week," which expanded and became Black History Month.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Join Aliphine in celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day! Start with Playground Circuit, then go for a run, complete more activities, or participate in your favorite sport.

Black History Month Fact: Aliphine Tuliamuk is the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials champion! She and her teammate Sally Kipyego will make history by becoming the first Black women to represent the USA in the marathon at the next Olympics.

Thank a Mailman Day

If you see a mailwoman or mailman, give them a big wave and thank them for being an essential worker! Jenny and Annie will show you how to play Rubber Band with a partner.

Black History Month Fact: Mary Fields was the first Black U.S. Postal Service worker, after being freed when slavery was outlawed in the U.S. in 1865.

National Wear Red Day

Get dressed for the occasion by wearing your favorite red clothes. Then read how to play Shape Stretches before getting started.

Black History Month Fact: Diana Ross has a career total of 70 hit singles as a solo artist and with her work with the Supremes—more than any other female artist in history. She was named Female Entertainer of the Century and in 1974 was the first Black woman to co-host the Academy Awards.

International Frozen Yogurt Day

Everyone around the world is eating frozen yogurt today. Make it super yummy by adding flavor with this DIY Yogurt Parfait recipe.

Black History Month Fact: David Dinkins was the first Black mayor of New York City. He served as the 106th Mayor of New York City from 1990 to 1993.

Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day

Take the shape of a Goal Post with your arms, then give your neighbors a big wave today.

Black History Month Fact: Thurgood Marshall was the first Black person to serve on the Supreme Court, from 1967 to 1991.

Week Two

Kite Flying Day

Freeze when the music stops and breathe deeply. Rachel will lead you through Stop the Rock and Balloon Breath. We hope the the wind breathes heavily to help fly your kite today!

Black History Month Fact: Mae Jemison was the first Black female NASA astronaut; as the first black woman in space, she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.

National Pizza Day

Did you know that biggest pizza you can buy is almost eight feet long? Try these seven exercises with Jenny in Core and Leg Strength, and then add one more exercise so that you have one activity for each foot of that giant pizza.

Black History Month Fact: Theodore “Ted” Corbitt was a distance running pioneer and the founding president of New York Road Runners. In his lifetime he completed 223 marathons and ultramarathons.

National Inventors Day

Learn a way to combine math and running laps by reading Math Madness. Then pick a favorite item and research who invented it and when.

Black History Month Fact: Benjamin Banneker is best known for constructing the first clock in America.

Rising New York Road Runners Holiday

We celebrate our Rising New York Road Runners Youth Ambassadors today for their amazing work telling others about our program. We thank them and you for being leaders in our program, your school, and your community. Join Rudy in Get Moving Circuit for a warm-up, then pick and complete your favorite physical activity for 15 minutes.

Black History Month Fact: Ruby Bridges was the first Black student to integrate an all-white school (William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana) at age six.

Valentine’s Day

Nothing says Valentine's Day like flowers! Join Beverly in a game of Growing Flower Cool-Down after a run or as a quick brain break from your schoolwork.

Black History Month Fact: Sarah Breedlove, also known as Madam C.J. Walker, became the first Black female self-made millionaire in America by developing and marketing a line of hair care products for women.

Week Three

Presidents Day

A captain is in charge of a ship like the president is in charge of the country. Become a crew member after reading about Captain's Deck.

Black History Month Fact: Barack Obama was the first Black president of the United States. He served two terms from 2009 to 2017.

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Time for some Throwing Challenges with Jenny. Then throw some kindness in someone else’s direction. Make sure to clean up after your game and do other kind things to help around your home or school.

Black History Month Fact: Dr. Dorothy Height co-organized the March on Washington (August 28, 1965), a protest march aimed to draw attention to the continued challenges Black people experienced 100 years after slavery ended.

Love Your Pet Day

Prepare for a walk with Jenny and her dog Truman in Elevator Game. Then show your pet some love by taking them outside.

Black History Month Fact: Arthur Ashe is the only Black male tennis player to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open.

Week Four

Be Humble Day

Coach Sheila has a fun Dance Fitness 8-Minute Routine for you. Remember to stay humble even if you are the best dancer in your home or classroom.

Black History Month Fact: Josephine Baker was the first Black person to become a world-class dancer and star in a major motion picture (movie).

National Tortilla Chip Day

Grab some weights and check out the directions to Front Lateral Raises. You can also use items you find at home for different weight options. Try canned food for a challenge or a bag of tortilla chips to start.

Black History Month Fact: Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. She is also the first Black candidate for a major party's nomination for President of the United States (1972).

National Chili Day

Chilly winter weather is the perfect time for a warm bowl of chili. Joining Jenny for a game of Card Cardio Challenge can also help keep you warm!

Black History Month Fact: Hattie McDaniel appeared in over 300 movies, earning an Academy Award and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is the first Black person to earn both.

Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Fairy tales are stories of balance (good vs. bad). Learn to play Balancing Act, then read your favorite fairy tale and watch your balance shift from bad to good.

Black History Month Fact: Paul Robeson was the first Black actor to play Shakespeare's Othello on Broadway, from 1943 to 1944. With 296 performances, this is the longest-running Shakespeare play in Broadway history.

Polar Bear Day

Bring out your inner polar bear with Rachel in Movement and Breathing Inspired by Bears.

Black History Month Fact: Matthew Henson was the first Black Arctic explorer. He accompanied Robert Peary on seven Arctic expeditions, including an attempt to reach the North Pole.

End-of-Month Reflection

Reflect upon the people you learned about this month. Who else do you admire in Black History? Tell your family, friends, and teachers why you admire this person.

January: National Hobby Month

Week One

New Year's Day

Happy New Year! On this day, personal resolutions or goals are set for the new year. Make a resolution to move with us and get started with a game of Mission Possible. Play along with Jenny or create your own mission list.

National Hobby Month Tip: Reading can help  you learn interesting facts and new words.

Festival of Sleep Day

Take this day to catch up on sleep before school starts. Once you’re up and ready to move, check out the instructions to The Sabre.

National Hobby Month Tip: Try cooking with an adult and see how your favorite meals become so delicious.

National Trivia Day

It’s trivia time! Pick one of your favorite things like books, movies, or music, and find a fun trivia game to challenge how much you know. Choose a movement to do when you answer correctly and another when you answer incorrectly like jumping jacks or squats. Join Jenny in Yoga Cool Down Stretches when you’re done.

National Hobby Month Tip: Use basic shapes to draw pictures and explore your creativity.

National Bird Day

Birds love the outdoors, but today we bring the outdoors inside!  Rachel will guide you through Movement and Breathing Inspired by Nature. On your next walk, notice the different birds in your neighborhood.

National Hobby Month Tip: If you play an instrument, maybe it's time to learn a new song!

National Bean Day

Let's get your body warm with Coach Sheila in a Dance Fitness Warm-Up, then it’s time for beans. Learn a new recipe, read a story about a magic bean that grows high to the sky, or use beans to help with your math homework.

National Hobby Month Tip: If you don't play an instrument, use your voice and sing your favorite song.

National Bubble Bath Day

Body Weight Strength Training is our last activity of the week! After a long week of physical activities and celebrations, how about a nice bubble bath? Just remember to keep the bubbles in the bathtub and off the bathroom floor!

National Hobby Month Tip: Do some research online to learn more about the weather or meteorology.

Week Two

National Milk Day

Jenny will show us different ways to move along an imaginary line in Tight Rope Walking. Pretend you have a glass of milk on your head as you move, then drink a glass of your favorite type of milk when you're done!

National Hobby Month Tip: Start recycling and help save our planet!

National Youth Day

Today we celebrate you and your friends! You continue to make us proud. Grab a friend to play Rock, Paper, Scissors, Move.

National Hobby Month Tip: Enjoy gardening by planting seeds in a flower pot in a sunny spot.

Rising New York Road Runners Program Lead Appreciation Day

Thank you to our Rising New York Road Runners Program Leads! We celebrate you today for keeping kids active. Without your commitment, our program could not serve tens of thousands of youth nationwide. Read the instructions for Music Mania to learn how to play, then get your playlist ready!

National Hobby Month Tip: As Rising New York Road Runners, being active is already a hobby. Great job and keep it up!

Dress Up Your Pet Day

To explore different ways to throw and catch, read Ball Exploration. Don't forget to dress up your pet or stuffed animal today and post a picture on our Facebook page.

National Hobby Month Tip: If you have every character from your favorite show or movie you are a toy/doll collector.

National Hat Day

Wear your favorite hat—the crazier the better—as you join Jenny in a game of Home Balance Fun.

National Hobby Month Tip: Comic book collecting is great for superhero lovers.

National Nothing Day

This day is dedicated to doing nothing so for you, it’s a rest day. Celebrate by giving flavor to a drink that normally tastes like nothing with this DIY Infused Water recipe.

National Hobby Month Tip: Try origami, an ancient art of folding paper to create interesting figures and shapes.

Week Three

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15 and the world celebrates him on the third Monday of January. He inspires our Rising New York Road Runners Youth Ambassadors to dream big and we hope he inspires you to dream big too. What's your Dream?

National Hobby Month Tip: Add some color to your artwork by painting or coloring.

National Popcorn Day

Popcorn is delicious! Pop into Shoulder Exercises with Daniel, then have a bowl of this tasty snack!

National Hobby Month Tip: Become a chess player by playing at home, at school, or online.

National Penguin Day

Play Freeze It in celebration of National Penguin Day. Then watch a penguin movie or read a book to learn more about the arctic creature.

National Hobby Month Tip: Try collecting coins; collect each state's quarter to start.

National Compliment Day

Give a compliment to someone today—it makes them feel good and and it makes you feel good, too. Earn a compliment on your creations from DIY (Do it Yourself) by giving them the design of your favorite holiday.

National Hobby Month Tip: If you love looking at the sky, astronomy is the hobby for you.

Week Four

National Opposite Day

It's Opposite Day, so everything is backwards! Wear your clothes backwards and  join Jenny and Annie in a game of This or That.

National Hobby Month Tip: Capture every moment with photography (taking photos) and videography (recording videos).

National Chocolate Cake Day

To complete laps using different locomotor skills read the directions to Loopy Laps. When you're done being loopy, find a chocolate cake recipe to bake for your next celebration!

National Hobby Month Tip: Baking is a hobby you may enjoy more when you are done. Mmm, delicious!

National Puzzle Day

There are 40,000 pieces in the largest puzzle in the world! Learn how to play 1-2-3, a puzzling activity that’s lots of fun.

National Hobby Month Tip: Puzzles can also be a hobby to help exercise your mind after exercising your body.

National Backwards Day

For National Backwards Day we will do a backward activity. Check out Backstroke, then set a goal for how many reps you will complete.

National Hobby Month Tip: When the music plays, DANCE! Was your favorite hobby missing? Tell your friends and/or classmates what you enjoy so they can join in on the fun!