The joy of running.
It’s the purity of movement and the challenge of pushing the body to its limits.
Running requires no equipment. It needs little advanced planning and no specialized court, field, or real estate. The great runners and the back-of-the-packers get to compete in the same event at the same time on the same day.
Running is democracy in action.
Running holds a central place in my life. I’m a lifelong runner, and marathons are very much a part of my personal identity.
As a parent and a health and fitness coach, I’m also keen on raising the next generation of runners.
Marathon Kids is an organization that promotes the joy, democracy, and inclusivity of running to kids. Through age-appropriate messaging about the importance of daily movement and smart food choices, kids are empowered to build healthy habits.
But the real reason I love Marathon Kids is that I’ve seen the program work firsthand through my own kids. Here’s my kiddo, way back in 2010, proudly showing off the medal he earned for completing his Marathon Kids marathon.
That same kid is now a freshman running on his high school track team!
Just like my son, Marathon Kids has grown up a lot in the last eight years. From its roots as an Austin and Texas-focused program, Marathon Kids is now a nationwide powerhouse. The Marathon Kids app and coaching outlines equip parents, coaches, and program directors to fight the childhood obesity epidemic through run clubs.
Run clubs give kids the opportunity to participate in a healthy, community-building activity. By learning to love physical activity early in life, Marathon Kids helps children build healthy habits that will shape their adulthood.
It doesn’t matter how fast a child runs. The goal of running 104.8 miles– the distance of four marathons– requires consistent, ongoing participation. They learn how to track their runs and watch their mileage increase. Kids learn that dedication to a goal and incremental work towards it allows the journey to be just as important as the destination.
You can help raise the next generation of runners!
In order for Marathon Kids to carry out their important mission, they need support. A 24-hour Run-a-thon (and VIRTUAL RUN) will raise funds for Marathon Kids in the best way possible– by running! Regardless of where you are, you can help support the work of those who want our kids to grow up healthy, strong, and in love with the joy of running.
I’ll be taking my place on the treadmill at 10am on Friday, March 2nd to do my part in raising the next generation of runners. Come out to Rogue Running to cheer me on! Better yet, if you’re in Austin sign up for your own time on the treadmill.
If you can’t make it to the Run-a-thon, a small donation will allow you to participate in the VIRTUAL RUN and still support the mission of Marathon Kids.
Together we can help Marathon Kids share the joy and inclusivity of running.
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