FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OC MARATHON'S 2011 "KIDS RUN THE OC" SETS SIGHTS ON PREVENTING OBESITY;
RECORD NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND SCHOOLS SLATED TO PARTICIPATE
Fueled by an exciting course change and the newly announced Beach Cities
Challenge, entry slots for the Marathon and Half Marathon are filling fast,
but remain available
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — The OC Marathon's "Kids Run the OC" obesity
prevention program is on pace to host a record number of schools and kids
on Saturday, April 30, 2011. Held in conjunction with the OC Marathon at
the OC Fair and Event Center, the Kids Run the OC program is designed to
help pre-adolescent kids become more physically fit, promote an active and
healthy lifestyle and combat the onset of childhood obesity, all while
having fun! The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Detailed
information is available at www.kidsruntheocmarathon.org.
The program, now in its third year, is experiencing a growth surge, adding
new schools and more students from existing schools; 57 schools are
participating this year (up from 29 in 2009 and 40 in 2010) along with
nearly 3,000 kids (up from 1,000 in 2009 and 2,000 in 2010). Students from
each participating school are led through a popular training program by
teachers and/or volunteers that have received training by the OC Marathon.
By the end of the program each student will have accumulated the equivalent
of 25.2 miles of fun activity, and will be ready to finish their own
marathon by completing their final mile at the Kids Run the OC.
"Kids Run the OC's remarkable growth is a testament to the wonderful
volunteer coaches we have in the community bringing the joy of running to
OC's youngest citizens," says Kids Run the OC Director Angie Rowe. "As a
parent of students in the program, I have witnessed the mental and physical
benefits a regular running program provides to children."
With support from the Orange County Department of Education, schools and
unified districts across the county are embracing Kids Run the OC. Led by
Newport Mesa, San Juan Capistrano, Irvine and Santa Ana Unified, six
schools have more than 100 kids enrolled in the program; three of which are
new in 2011: Greenville Fundamental (150 kids), Vista del Mar Elementary
(150) and private school St. Mary's in Aliso Viejo (116). The largest
school participation is from Woodbury Elementary in Irvine with 208
students (up from 108) while the largest district participation is from
Newport Mesa with 11 schools (up from four).
"As a runner myself, I know that St. Mary's stands firmly behind the
mission of the Kids Run the OC to help students lead healthier, more active
lives," said John O'Brien, Headmaster at St. Mary's International
Baccalaureate World School.
While the "kids" program is now closed for 2011, an exciting course change
and the newly announced Beach Cities Challenge is fueling interest in the
Marathon and Half Marathon. Entry slots for each remain open, but are
filling fast. The races are considered among the best in the state due to
their diverse terrain, changing vistas and majestic ocean views. While the
vast majority of marathons are held within one city's limits, the OC
Marathon traverses Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine and Santa Ana and
boasts a blend of chic coastal scenery, tranquil nature and sophisticated
arts and shopping. Additionally, the OC Marathon is USATF certified and
can be used as a qualifier for any marathon in the U.S. including Boston,
further adding to its allure.
The Seventh Annual OC Marathon is held on Sunday, May 1, 2011. More than
15,000 runners will participate in the marathon, half marathon, Wahoo's 5K
and Kids Run the OC. An estimated 25,000 spectators line the course and
the start line in front of the Newport Beach Marriott and finish line at OC
Fair and Event Center, while an additional 30,000 attend the two-day
Nutrilite® Health & Fitness Expo which showcases national brands and state
of the art footwear and training technology. More information is available
at www.ocmarathon.com.
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