Each month, CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin highlight a local organization and the services it provides to the community through the Community Partner Program, with support from RBFCU.
Each month, CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin highlight a local organization and the services it provides to the community through the Community Partner Program, with support from RBFCU.
This month, the spotlight is on Marathon Kids, an organization using running and movement to help children build confidence, healthy habits and a love for getting active.
Marathon Kids CEO Jason Daniel joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to share how a simple lap around the track can turn into something much bigger.
Marathon Kids CEO Jason Daniel joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to share how a simple lap around the track can turn into something much bigger.
“The mission of Marathon Kids is to transform lives through running, build active communities of all ages, abilities and backgrounds,” Daniel said. “What we do is we take the simple act of running laps and turn it into a powerful tool that can help kids build confidence, resilience and active, healthy habits that last a lifetime.”
More than half a million kids get moving
Marathon Kids has grown far beyond Austin.
Daniel said the organization recently experienced its largest program season ever, with more than half a million children participating in Marathon Kids run clubs across all 50 states.
That includes more than 60,000 kids right here in the local viewing area.
Goal setting is a major part of the Marathon Kids experience.
The organization also offers the Girls Movement, which takes many of the same principles behind Marathon Kids and brings them into an all-girls environment.
The program typically serves girls in fourth through eighth grades, an age when Daniel said girls can begin dropping out of programs centered around physical activity. Girls Movement aims to counter that trend through movement, goal setting and encouragement.
Celebrating every milestone
Goal setting is a major part of the Marathon Kids experience.
Children set individual milestones while also working toward collective goals with their classroom, grade or entire school.
Coaches are there every step of the way, providing much more than instructions on how to run.
“When they hit those milestones, another huge component of the program is about celebrating that achievement,” Daniel said. “I think it’s the celebration of that achievement that inspires the future goal setting and successful achievement of those goals.”
Coaches are there every step of the way, providing much more than instructions on how to run.
“They are everything to these kids,” Daniel said. “They are their biggest champions. They believe in them even when those kids struggle to believe in themselves.”
Daniel said coaches serve as cheerleaders, motivators and, perhaps most importantly, role models who can inspire kids to eventually become role models themselves.
Run together and give back
Marathon Kids also gives adults and families opportunities to get moving while supporting its youth programs.
Through Austin Runners Club, the organization hosts events throughout the fall with proceeds benefiting its programs for kids.
The Zilker Relays are taking place Friday evening with what Daniel said will be the largest Zilker Relays event to date.
“They are everything to these kids,” Daniel said. “They are their biggest champions. They believe in them even when those kids struggle to believe in themselves.”
Families have another opportunity to participate with Daisy Dash on Oct. 18. The event includes a 5K, 10K and kids dash, offering options for a range of ages and running experience.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and just be active and move together,” Daniel said.
For more information about Marathon Kids, its programs and upcoming events, visit MarathonKids.org.
For more information about Marathon Kids, its programs and upcoming events, visit MarathonKids.org.
For more information or to apply for the CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin Community Partner Program, visit cbsaustin.com/communitypartner.
For more information or to apply for the CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin Community Partner Program, visit cbsaustin.com/communitypartner.
Thanks to RBFCU for making these segments possible and helping CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin highlight nonprofits like Marathon Kids and the work they are doing in our community!