Running in the Rain with Marathon Kids®

Our students didn't let a few drops--or a lot--dampen their enthusiasm as they ran around the track.

As serious athletes know, running in the pouring rain can be fun! It sure added some excitement for the dedicated kids and families who turned out on this rainy Saturday morning for the Marathon Kids Kickoff event at UT's Mike E. Myers stadium. This was the launch of a program in which most of our AISD elementary-aged students participate. The goal is to run a whole marathon--26.2 miles--in increments of ¼ to ½ mile at a time over six months.They keep track of their progress by coloring in their Marathon Kids Running Logs©. They also are challenged to eat 26.2 days a month of 5-a-day fruits and veggies, coloring in their "Fuel Logs." Students will run the finishing mile on Saturday, February 23 at the Toney Burger Center.

Marathon Kids started in 1996 and is becoming a district tradition. It's a great way for our kids and families to be fit and healthy. I encourage our students to finish their logs between now and February, so that you can run the finishing mile in late February.

AISD staffers Michelle Rusnak, Tracy Lunoff and I started the morning off dry and smiling.

Event sponsors received flowers from our students.

The UT Men's Basketball team helped get our runners motivated.

A special thanks to all of the UT athletes who ran the opening lap and then cheered our students as they crossed the finish line. They added a lot of excitement and energy to the event and they are great role models for our kids.