01 Sep Marathon Kids and the USATF Foundation Join Forces to Bring Elite Athletes to New Runners
This Olympic year, Marathon Kids is excited to announce a new partnership with the USA Track & Field Foundation (USATF Foundation) and the creation of “Run With US! at Marathon Kids,” an impactful effort to help kids get more physically active through running and interaction with elite athletes. The launch of this partnership comes as 30 USATF Foundation athletes competed in the 2016 Rio Summer Games and kids across the country cheer on Team USA athletes. Attention is on sport, strength of will, dedication to physical activity and the power of internal volition – which is what the two organizations hope to instill in youth through their joint effort.
“We are so excited about this partnership because it has the power to inspire the next generation of runners and athletes; to give Marathon Kids participants support and encouragement directly from their role models,” said Christine Pollei, Marathon Kids CEO.
Select Marathon Kids running clubs will have the opportunity to participate in “Run With US! at Marathon Kids” during the 2016-17 season. This partnership brings USATF Foundation athletes to visit Marathon Kids running clubs across the country, where Coaches and kids will be able to hear from and interact with athletes directly to inspire and encourage them on their 104.8-mile journey. The unique opportunity to bring these world-class, elite athletes to local communities is exclusive to Marathon Kids running clubs.
“We are very fortunate to have found the right partner in Marathon Kids,” said Tom Jackovic, Executive Director of USATF Foundation. “Together we will leverage USATF Foundation’s greatest asset, our elite athletes, for the betterment of youth around the country.”
What happens at a Run With US! at Marathon Kids event?
Marathon Kids Coaches can apply to bring a USA Track & Field Foundation athlete to visit their running club during one of their run club sessions or as part of a special event. If selected, athletes will visit and share their personal story, participate in a Q&A session with runners, and run with or encourage Marathon Kids runners on their course. The joint program also gives Marathon Kids participants the opportunity to learn about the USATF Foundation’s exer-game app, Run With US! The game is free to download, is available on iOS and Android devices and can be used to log miles for Marathon Kids running clubs.
About Marathon Kids
Marathon Kids is a national nonprofit born out of the belief that kids deserve to live happier, healthier lives – and
that we have the ability to make that possible. Kids everywhere need more access to physical activity, and Marathon Kids has built a community and movement to get them running. Parents, teachers, or any motivated adult can start a running club at any school, organization, community or even at home for just $15 per child. Through September 15, anyone from a school community also has the opportunity to bring Marathon Kids to their school at no cost by applying for a Let’s Move! Active Schools grant.
For more information, visit marathonkids.org
About USA Track & Field Foundation
The USA Track & Field Foundation supports the development of emerging athletes, while fostering integration within the broader track & field community. The Foundation works to facilitate the physical, educational, social and character development of youth track & field athletes and to help prepare them to mature and succeed in adult life.