Crockett Elementary 2d grader Tu’Moses Swatt crosses the finish line at the University of Texas

SUBMITTED REPORT

Almost 500 San Marcos CISD elementary students traveled to Austin last Saturday morning to help kick-off the 2011 Marathon Kids program.

Thousands of Central Texas area K-5 grade school children, parents, and educators gathered in the in the University of Texas’ Mike Meyers Track and Field Stadium to start their first mile of marathon. They were joined by UT athletes.

For the next six months, participants will run/walk 26.2 miles in increments of one-quarter to one half a mile at a time. Students will be given a Marathon Kids Running Log for each one-quarter mile they complete, which will help them note their progress.

Children are also encouraged to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day for at least 26.2 days of each month, marking each successful day on their Marathon Kids Fuel Log. This tool helps children pay attention to what is fueling their bodies and eventually make better eating choices.

Often, the Marathon Kids program partners with local non-profit organizations for resources and tools to begin a campus garden. When a school yard garden is planted, teachers and students are recognized at celebration events and given a Marathon Kids Schoolyard Food Garden sign.

Now in its 16th year, the Marathon Kids program is a free, community-based fitness program that is an IRS recognized 501(c) (3) organization. For more information at Marathon Kids, visit www.marathonkids.org.

University of Texas