The new presenting sponsorship will help inspire more than 2,000 Leander ISD students to start the school year with movement, goal setting, and healthy habits.
Marathon Kids is proud to announce Cedar Park Scheels as the presenting sponsor of the 2026–2027 Marathon Kids Leander ISD Kick-Off Celebration, a partnership dedicated to inspiring students to embrace movement, build confidence, and develop lifelong healthy habits.
The Kick-Off Celebration marks the official start of the Marathon Kids season in Leander ISD, bringing students, educators, and families together to celebrate the beginning of their running journey. Through a running experience, encouragement, and school-wide excitement, the event helps motivate students to set goals, stay active, and celebrate every milestone throughout the school year.
“We’re excited to partner with Cedar Park Scheels to create an unforgettable start to the Marathon Kids season,” said Stefanie Ediger, Senior Director of Programs at Marathon Kids. “This partnership represents a shared commitment to helping young people discover the joy of movement while strengthening connections between schools, families, and the community.”
Marathon Kids is a national nonprofit organization and the largest youth running program in the United States, partnering with schools and community organizations since 1995 to create inclusive running programs that help children build healthy habits through movement. By combining goal setting, encouragement, celebration, and physical activity, Marathon Kids empowers children of all abilities to build confidence and experience the lifelong benefits of an active lifestyle.
The partnership builds upon Marathon Kids’ longstanding relationship with Leander ISD. For more than 15 years, the district has embraced Marathon Kids to encourage student wellness. During the last school year alone, 11 Leander ISD schools engaged 2,232 students who collectively logged 21,923 miles.
As the presenting sponsor of the Kick-Off Celebration, Cedar Park Scheels is investing in a healthier future for local students while helping to create an exciting, memorable experience that encourages children to begin the school year with movement, goal-setting, and community support.
The partnership reflects a shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of movement in an encouraging and inclusive environment. Together, Marathon Kids and Cedar Park Scheels are helping Leander ISD students take their first steps toward a lifetime of healthy habits.
The Marathon Kids Leander ISD Kick-Off Celebration will take place this fall as schools launch another exciting year of walking, running, and celebrating every mile together.
