Kids Marathon
At the state level, the CDC ranks Texas as having the 6th highest obesity rate. The situation in West Central Texas is even more severe. With so many health-related diseases that result from obesity, Shannon decided to take a leadership role in combating the problem. Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases—health problems that, unfortunately, already exist among young people.
Shannon works in a collaborative effort with members of the community to provide leadership in health and wellness education by promoting prevention-oriented programs and services, including the annual Kid's Marathon event.
Shannon is hosting the 11th Annual Kids Marathon Celebration Event on Thursday, April 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at San Angelo Stadium. All students Kindergarten through sixth grade are invited to attend and run their celebration lap and participate in fun fitness activities and games.
The Kids’ Marathon program was created with the intent to provide an opportunity for students to participate in a program that encourages healthy habit formation early in life. Each participating student is encouraged to either walk or run a total distance of 26 miles before the Celebration Lap event. Students will run .2 miles around the stadium track beginning at 5:30 p.m. All students are encouraged to participate regardless of the distance they have ran toward their 26 mile goal. Participants and their families may come and go during the event.
Parents and students can then participate in activities provided by community-based organizations and learn about programs offered over the summer months to keep students active and motivated. There will also be a drawing and giveaways for prizes! Local high school and collegiate athletes and mascots will be on the field to join in on the activities and pose for photos. The first 300 students will receive medals and Finisher T-shirts.
Community organizations will be present to hand out information for programs offered over the summer months that will keep students active and busy. Free activities will also be available. Organizations and activities for this year include: YMCA, San Angelo Nature Center, Team Chip Tae Kwon Do, MMA Fitness, City of San Angelo Recreation Division, and SAISD team sports and summer camps information.
Special thanks to sponsors Shannon Medical Center, SAISD, Angelo State University, Angelo Awards, Big Country T’s.
For more information, visit www.catchinmotion.org or call 325-657-5677.