The MCM Kids Run, hosted annually by the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) on the final Saturday of October, has become the premier fall event for motivated school groups and active families. The fall running event welcomes 3,600 kids to the Pentagon North parking lot. The one-mile, have-as-much-fun-as-you-can event is focused on a mission of promoting physical fitness and inspiring healthy lifestyle choices for families.
“Participating in the next MCM Kids Run is something participants look forward to as soon as they cross the finish line,” explains MCM Director Rick Nealis. “The event has become synonymous with back-to-school and the beginning of fall family-fitness activities.”
For many young runners, covering the one-mile distance requires only minutes. For others, the journey takes a bit more time.
“Just showing up is a meaningful step toward a healthier life for some children,” added Nealis. “The Marines are present in full force to encourage every child to keep moving forward.”
To maximize family time and enhance the MCM Kids Run experience, a family-fitness festival, called Camp Miles, entertains and educates participants throughout the day. The popular activity area is named for the MCM bulldog mascot, Miles, and features a free, all-day activity area with interactive challenges, crafts, exhibits and games focusing on health and fitness.
“Guests of all ages, whether participating in the MCM Kids Run or cheering, will discover something new and energizing while attending this event,” said Nealis. “This is a place for families, parents, teachers and coaches to support and encourage children to be active.”
Teachers are an important mentor in many student lives. They provide motivation throughout the year and MCM partner Sodexo recognizes this commitment by providing five Healthy School Awards annually. Each Healthy School Award includes a monetary donation presented by Sodexo to the top five school groups represented by student participation in the event. U.S. Marines, along with mascots Miles and Molly, and representatives from the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), engage students during a school-wide “Jump with Jill” assembly.
“Jump with Jill offers a unique way to reach students in the schools and get them up and moving,” says Stephanie Barlow, director of PR and Social Media, NWPB. “The Watermelon Board encourages kids to try one new fruit or vegetable each week, and this fits perfectly with the theme of the show, as well as the mission of the MCM Kids Run.”
Limited space is still available for group registration, as well as individual participation in the MCM Kids Run on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015. Register now at www.marinemarathon.com.
Sandra Osborn-Peters is the MCM communications coordinator. Parents can register their kids individually for the MCM Kids Run at www.marinemarathon.com, and schools can register groups of students by contacting Sandra at [email protected]. For sponsor information, or to participate in Camp Miles, please contact MCM Sponsorship Coordinator, Denise Matoushek, at [email protected]. Articles in the Healthy Kids Series are presented by the Marine Corps Marathon’s MCM Kids Run. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied.
