Posted: October 28, 2005

Athletics: OC Marathon Encourages Kids to Help Kids - Countywide Children’s Training Begins October 29th

“The Main Reason We're Running Is For The Children”

Newport Beach, CA – The OC Marathon and Run For Orange County Kids (ROCK) cares about our community, the children in the community and their future health. More than 20% of adults are obese, and obesity in children and adolescents is on the rise. To turn this trend around, this year coaches from the OC Marathon will head to Orange County Schools to introduce an exercise program developed by OC Marathon Race Director and Coach, Bill Sumner and the Cal Coast Track Club. In an effort to teach kids the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle through physical activity a special nine week training program was designed to train and educate young athletes about the importance of daily exercise and nutrition. “It is our goal and commitment as fitness professionals to provide children of all ages and ability levels the opportunity for success in sport and physical activity,” states Sumner. He adds, “Through fun, creative programs and positive, energetic coaches, we aim to show every child the joy that comes from being physically active.”

Training Program description:

The Coach’s Kid’s Marathon sponsored by McDonalds Restaurants (1.2 mile run), is, in fact, kids running a full marathon. It is a 9-week training program designed to teach 8-12 years olds about running, basic health, nutrition, and the importance of, and how fun, an active lifestyle is. Throughout the training program, OC Marathon kid’s coaches will visit participating schools to lead a program consisting of warm up, drills, plyometrics and strength conditioning. Kids are challenged with skipping, bounding, group competition and relays, rather than sending them out for a 1-mile run around the track. By the end of the 9-week training program, each child will have accumulated 25 miles of running, and they will be ready to complete the final 1.2-miles of their own marathon on race day Sunday, January 8, 2006 at the OC Marathon Coach’s Kid’s Run!

Every registered child who participates will receive:

• Registration into the Coach’s Kids Marathon: Only $15.00

• Training Program Participation

• Special OC Marathon Finisher’s Medal

• Kids Run Goodie Bag

• OC Marathon T-Shirt

Kick-off assemblies for the 2005-2006 Coach’s Kids Marathon training programs will bescheduled at each participating school beginning on October 29th.

For additional program information contact:

Web site: OCMarathon.com
Email kroc@OCMarathon.com
Phone: (949) 222-4607

A Winning Philosophy

Last year, the OC Marathon trained over 500 young athletes in the Coach’s Kid’s Marathon Training Program. The program not only trains children to participate in the 1.2-mile run, but, encouraging them to higher levels of achievement and activity. The community is encouraged to participate in this event providing children with a sense of accomplishment that will reach beyond words.

The OC Marathon presented by Pacificare benefits the community-based organization ROCK (Run for Orange County Kids). Last year, the OC Marathon event distributed over $300,000 for “ROCK” charity partners with an additional $125,000 generated through individual fundraising programs specific to each charity. For more information on the OC Marathon Kid’s Marathon and a list of participating schools and other training options, please visit OCMarathon.com.