Utah State University Extension is spearheading a virtual Marathon Kids summer program statewide, running from June 2 to Aug. 9. Open to all Utah youths and their families, the initiative aims to boost activity levels and foster confidence by completing the distance of a marathon through physical activity. This program, aligned with the national Marathon Kids initiative, focuses on encouraging children to engage in physical movement.
Participants are encouraged to run, walk, play, or engage in any heart-pumping activity, with every mile or minute contributing to their marathon. Tracking can be done digitally using a free platform or with traditional paper tracking sheets, accessible at marathonkids.usu.edu. As an incentive, participants earn entries into prize drawings upon completing a marathon’s worth of activities.
Emma Parkhurst, Assistant Professor at Utah State University Extension and the program’s organizer, highlighted how involvement in Marathon Kids positively impacts children’s physical activity levels. Last summer, the program saw over 300 youth from across the state collectively cover 20,485 miles, equivalent to 781 marathons, with individual achievements ranging from 1 to 15 marathons.
For inquiries or additional details about the program, interested parties can reach out to Emma Parkhurst via email at emma.parkhurst@usu.edu. The program not only promotes physical well-being but also instills a sense of accomplishment and healthy habits in young participants.
Marathon Kids serves as a valuable platform for fostering a love for physical activity and setting achievable goals for children. Research underscores the importance of regular exercise in childhood development, and initiatives like this play a crucial role in combating sedentary lifestyles and promoting overall wellness.
The program’s success last summer underscores its effectiveness in engaging youth across the state and encouraging them to embrace an active lifestyle. By integrating physical activity into a fun and rewarding challenge, Marathon Kids motivates children to surpass their limits and stay active throughout the summer months.
Emma Parkhurst’s dedication to organizing and overseeing the program reflects the commitment of Utah State University Extension to promoting health and fitness among the state’s youth. Her efforts in facilitating a statewide initiative demonstrate the university’s proactive approach to addressing the importance of physical activity in children.
As the Marathon Kids program gains momentum and participation, it not only benefits individual participants but also contributes to a broader cultural shift towards prioritizing physical fitness and well-being among Utah’s youth. Through initiatives like this, communities can work together to create a healthier and more active future generation.
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