KiDSMARATHON is currently developing partnerships with events and youth organizations around the United States and Globally. We are excited abouth the future of our program and hope that you will join us in continuing to develop this wonderful program for deserving kids around the world.
* KiDSMARATHON was part of the 2006 City of Los Angeles Marathon the 2006 and 2007 New Las Vegas Marathons, the Marathon De Mayo, and the Litchefield Hills Road Race in Litchefield Connecticut.
"KiDSMARATHON.com partnered with the City of Los Angeles Marathon and The New Las Vegas Marathon, in the presentation of the KiDSMARATHON program at the 2006 events."
What is KiDSMARATHON?
KiDSMARATHON is a 10 week training program that enables kids to complete a full marathon (42.195 kilometers) by running approximately 5 kilometers per week. By doing so, kids develop the tremendous feeling of accomplishment and confidence without the high risk involved with young kids running a full marathon in one day. The program is completed in grand fashion as each kid is able to finish the final 2.195 kilometers of the marathon distance in front of hundreds of cheering fans, friends and family at one of our partnering events.
Who participates in KiDSMARATHON?
The KiDSMARATHON has been welcomed with open arms into many schools and youth organizations in California and Nevada. Within each location, kids 7-12 years of age are welcome to participate and benefit from this life changing program. Because the goal of the program is to “FINISH”, kids of all shapes, sizes, and ability levels can participate and be successful.
How is the program facilitated?
Representatives from schools and youth organizations assume the role of coach / supervisor for each individual location. These representatives are in direct communication with KiDSMARATHON Staff, who ensure delivery of all training supplies as well as coordination of school visits by KiDSMARATHON representatives. KiDSMARATHON Founder Rod Dixon, Olympic Medalist and Winner of the 1983 City of New York Marathon, will visit multiple training locations for motivation and inspiration.
Prior to program kick-off, each school or youth organization representative will be given a coach’s manual with instructions on how to run a successful program. An outline for each day’s required activities, as well as a suggested informational clinic for each week will be included.
Once the program begins, kids will meet 3-4 times per week for a group exercise session supervised by their coach / supervisor. On an average day kids will participate in a proper warm-up, complete the required distance by running or walking (between 1 – 2 kilometers per session), participate in running drills and games, participate in a cool-down activity, and hear a short clinic on a running or health related topic. Kids are encouraged to involve their parents by running at home at least once per week.
*The required running/ walking distances per session are outlined in their training guides. Next to each day and distance is a blank space where a signature will be placed to signify the completion of each requirement.
KiDSMARATHON staff is also available for questions pertaining to training and event day specifics via e-mail and phone.
How does this program change lives?
Many running events have joined the kid’s fitness movement and are now including youth races and fun runs as part of the day’s festivities. These events are a fantastic way for kids and adults to enjoy a great day as a family. Unfortunately, these one day events often fall short in creating a lifestyle of healthy habits and physical activity in the lives of their participants. On the other hand, KiDSMARATHON helps kids to develop a new way of life and empowers them with the knowledge and character necessary to succeed in this task.
Included in this program is a wonderful training guide containing a wealth of information and motivation from Olympic Medal winners, World Record holders, and world leading specialists in fields such as diet and nutrition, physiology, and coaching. The total knowledge of the many wonderful people directly involved with this program may be equaled, but not surpassed by any program in the world. Best of all, the information is delivered in a way that kids can understand and enjoy. The majority of our participants will also have the unique opportunity to learn many great lessons from the legends themselves as Olympic Medalist Rod Dixon and friends visit various training sites participating in the KiDSMARATHON.
KiDSMARATHON has also developed a program that utilizes teachers, coaches and parents in creating a structured environment where each child is accountable for completing the necessary steps prior to race day. This structure instills a true sense of accomplishment in every kid who completes the program and receives their official KiDSMARATHON Finishers Medal on race day. Better yet, they see first hand the great rewards that can be attained through persistence and determination. These lessons are undeniably the foundation of a life long commitment to good health and fitness habits.
KiDSMARATHON keys to success!
- Our motto, “FINISHING IS WINNING…… WINNING IS FINISHING”, creates an environment where kids, who might otherwise shy away from physical activity, feel secure in their ability to succeed.
- By developing relationships with schools and youth organizations, we create a safe and productive environment where kids learn, have fun, and improve their individual health and fitness.
- The involvement of running legends such as Rod Dixon, Bill Rodgers, and Lorraine Moller presents kids with great role models that they will actually have the opportunity to meet and run with at training sessions and on Race Day.
- Providing a great value including training guides, training shirts, water bottles, hats, and a special shirt to be worn on race day makes every kid feel like part of a team. For many kids, this may be a first time experience. Imagine the great impact this will have on their future involvement in physical activity.
We hope that will join us. For more information, please call the KiDSMARATHON office at 818-766-2210 or e-mail roddixon@kidsmarathon.com . |
