our mission
Transform lives through running, and build active communities of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
our vision
ALL kids grasp the transformative power of the run to set them on a path toward healthier lives.
ABOUT
MARATHON KIDS
Marathon Kids is a nonprofit organization on a mission to get kids moving. We provide effective physical activity programming to help kids adopt an active lifestyle and learn how being active can improve their entire well-being.
Research shows that when children participate in
Marathon Kids, they have a better chance of getting the recommended amount of daily physical activity. That’s good news for their bodies and minds. When kids feel healthy, they perform better in school, think more clearly, and improve their attitude/behavior. So we made our program free, so all children can participate.
Our programming is built on six evidence-based pillars for long-term healthy behavior adoption.
Goal Setting
Kids develop a growth mindset setting big and small goals alike.
Social Support
Moving together is more enjoyable when you feel the support of others.
Tracking
Logging miles and measuring progress keeps kids motivated.
Celebrating
Big cheers and high-fives go a long way to foster long-term behavior adoption.
Modeling the Way
Role models inspire kids to build new, healthy habits in their lives.
Rewarding
Consistent, positive recognition fuels kids to keep striving for the next milestone.
Click here to review the collection of research.
why we run
Only 1 in 4 children get the daily recommended 60 minutes of physical activity. We are delivering the effective programming needed to increase a child’s daily moderate to vigorous activity.
As a nonprofit, we believe kids need positive role models who provide opportunities to run and move. We support schools and community organizations with an evidenced-based physical activity program designed to grow self-confident, active kids.
Our History
1995
The Starting Line
Marathon Kids was started in Austin, Texas as a running program for kids that utilized paper logs to motivate and boost physical activity.
2002-2009
Establishing a Base
We know kids everywhere need more access to physical activity, so we expanded to 7 marque cities. As Marathon Kids grew, we did research–a lot of research–on the health and emotional benefits of consistent, daily movement for youth.
2016
Challenge to Run Four Marathons
We continued to develop the program into what it is today: one of the only evidence-based youth physical activity programs in the country. To support our six pillars, we added the goal of completing 4 marathons in a season.
2020
Digital Platform Launches
We introduced, Marathon Kids Connect, a digital platform and scanning app that allows coaches to track physical activity effort and measure the progress of goals.
Help us offer Marathon Kids free to schools and organizations everywhere
Marathon Kids is a nonprofit organization on a mission to get kids moving.
To learn ways to join our mission, please visit our Get Involved page.