I. PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY: THE WIN IS IN THE WORK

The PR NEW GEN: The "New Guard" leadership collective is built on the belief that a runner’s legacy is defined by the standard they set and the impact they have on their community. This program is a professional pipeline designed for athletes who are ready to transition from being participants in the sport to being leaders of the culture. We value character, discipline, and the "labor of love" over personal records and podium finishes.

II. THE THREE PILLARS OF DEVELOPMENT

Members of the collective engage in three distinct areas of professional and community growth:

1. Mentorship (The Youth Mission)

Leadership is a service. As a primary responsibility, program members serve as Head Mentors at the =PR= Youth Running Camp in July. Leaders are responsible for counseling, motivating, and managing groups of 100+ youth athletes, providing them with over 20 hours of certified community service and hands-on instructional experience.

2. Industry Access (The Monthly Collective)

To prepare athletes for the professional world, the program provides direct access to influential leaders in the global and local running industry. Through monthly Next Gen Meetups, members participate in workshops and Q&A sessions with brand executives, event directors, and innovators, gaining insight into the mechanics of the sport and professional networking.

3. Event Architecture (The Front Lines)

Leaders learn the logistics of world-class event management by providing "Hype Crew" and operational support for key community races, including the Boxer Brief 5K. This pillar focuses on the execution, safety, and community engagement required to host premier athletic events.

III. CREATIVE LEADERSHIP: THE RAW LENS

The program empowers athletes to define the voice of the RVA running community. Through the "Raw Lens" initiative, members work with creative professionals to produce authentic content—photography, video, and writing—that documents the reality of the work. This provides members with professional digital media experience and a platform to share their unique perspectives.

IV. STANDARDS & ELIGIBILITY

PR NEXT GEN is structured as a professional fellowship to ensure full compliance with high school athletic regulations and amateurism standards.

• The Fellowship Model: Selection and recognition are based strictly on leadership, mentorship, and community service. The program is independent of athletic performance or school-affiliated results.

• The "No-Brand" Standard: To protect student-athlete eligibility, members are prohibited from wearing school-issued gear, logos, or colors while representing the program. This maintains a clear separation between the athlete’s school commitments and their individual leadership development.

• Professional Conduct: Members are expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity both in person and online, serving as the definitive role models for the next generation of runners.

V. ADMISSIONS & TIMELINE

The program is open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the RVA region.

• Application Period: Opens April 2026.

• Selection Criteria: Based on short-form essays, creative submissions, and a demonstrated commitment to community mentorship.

• Program Term: One full calendar year, beginning in June and continuing through monthly meetups and event leadership.

PR NEXT GEN exists to bridge the gap between high school athletics and the professional world, ensuring that the leaders of today are prepared to be the architects of tomorrow.

PR NEXT GEN PLEDGE

“I understand that leadership is a labor of love. I am here to build, to mentor, and to lead the rotation. I represent the RVA community, the next generation of athletes, and the standard of the New Guard.”

• Eligibility Information for Parents
• Program Disclaimers & Standards