| Watch over 50 IAAF Events Live and On-Demand at WCSN.com |
As the 2007-08 academic school year comes to an end, the JUST RUN® youth fitness program boasts top grades and earns "extra credit" for reaching new milestones.
Nearly 6,800 children ran over 200,000 miles, far surpassing last year's totals of 4,200 and 134,000 miles respectively. Additionally, 23,000 Just Deeds (acts of good citizenship) were completed. Sixty-seven schools throughout the United States participated in the program as compared to 41 the previous year.
Created in 2004 by the non-profit Big Sur International Marathon JUST RUN was designed to promote fitness and healthy lifestyle choices for Monterey County children and youth. As word spread, the free, web-based, turnkey program began attracting attention from schools and youth organizations throughout the country. In 2008, schools in 14 states participated in JUST RUN.
"We are proud to offer a solution to the rise in childhood obesity and the lack of physical activity in our youth," said Susan Love, program administrator. "The success of JUST RUN and its positive impact encourage and motivate us to reach as many children as possible."
Another milestone for JUST RUN was the creation of the JUST RUN!® Just Kids 3K race series. Held in conjunction with the marathon's two major events - the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay in November and the Big Sur International Marathon in April - the fun runs drew of a total of 2,700 children and family member participants.
"The JUST RUN races are a perfect complement to our existing events," stated Big Sur Marathon race director Wally Kastner. "Families coming for the larger races can bring their kids and run with them the day before. I truly believe that runners can help save the health of this nation."
Additionally, Michael Dove, JUST RUN program developer and Big Sur board member, received the highest volunteer honor - the Jefferson Award for Public Service for his devotion to JUST RUN and the cause of youth fitness. Dove will be honored in Washington, D.C. at the national Jefferson Awards event in June.
The JUST RUN program has proven effective and works. Research-based examination of California School Fitnessgram test scores indicated that children participating in the JUST RUN program in Monterey County showed significant increases in passing scores in aerobic capacity, flexibility, and strength. Scores for children in the same geographic/demographic area who did not participate in the program all declined compared to the previous year.
As JUST RUN moves into its fourth full year, organizers continue to implement changes and improvements to the program. The popular web feature "Run Across the USA" will be supplemented with a new "Run Across Europe" map for those classes wishing a virtual tour abroad. The Hispanic website is being updated and additional activities and information on nutrition have already been added. Special home pages for cities, marathons and school districts outside Monterey County are being developed so that they may update their local events and relevant information.
For more information, JUSTRUN.org or contact Susan Love at (831) 625-6226 or susanwlove@sbcglobal.net.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
