Probation Youth and Officers Complete MLK 5K

February 4, 2026

The San Diego County Probation Department operates Run Club programs at two youth facilities that teach teenagers about fitness, discipline, and mental wellness through running. Two 18-year-old participants from the Youth Transition Campus recently completed the Martin Luther King Jr. 5K Fun Run alongside approximately 700 other runners and four probation officers.

Who is affected

Teenagers at the Probation Youth Transition Campus
Teens at the East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility
Two 18-year-old young men who participated in the MLK 5K
Probation officers who manage and participate in the Run Club
Deputy Chief Probation Officer Matthew Strickland
Supervising Probation Officer Carlos Sanchez and two other managing officers

What action is being taken

Probation officers are working with teenagers to teach them physical and mental benefits of running
Officers are facilitating workouts and running alongside youth
Officers are managing the Run Club program at two facilities
Teens in the Run Club are learning running techniques, injury prevention, diet, and training principles

Why it matters

Running provides these young people with tools to improve their physical fitness, lower stress levels, and develop personal discipline to overcome challenges. The program offers mental health benefits by helping participants manage mood problems, anxiety, and self-esteem issues while providing a meditative outlet to refocus and set positive goals. It also creates opportunities for youth to build connections with other runners and develop rapport with probation officers, supporting the County Probation's mission to help youth grow, heal, and build better futures through safety, fairness, and trust.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint