A running board assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. The running board assembly includes an actuator housing fixedly mounted to the motor vehicle. An arm is slidable relative to the actuator housing in opposing inboard and outboard directions for movement into and out of the actuator housing. A linear mechanism is disposed within the actuator housing and is spaced apart from the arm. The linear mechanism is also operably connected to the arm to provide linear movement of the arm in the inboard and outboard directions. A step is pivotal relative to the arm and movable in the opposing inboard and outboard directions therewith for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position.