The Marathon Kids program for K-5 students kicked off Saturday, October 1 at UT's Mike Myers Stadium. Thousands of ÁùºÏ±¦µä families ran together and earned their Marathon Kids Reward Water Bottles, bicycle stickers, tattoos and coveted UT Athlete autographs.
Of the 83,000 registered elementary students, 16,000 attended the Kickoff. Mayor Lee Leffingwell declared "Marathon Kids Day," and ÁùºÏ±¦µä Board of Trustee Vincent Torres rallied the crowd by running in the ceremonial Opening Flag Lap and encouraging participants. This is the 16th year for the free, six-month running/walking, nutrition and schoolyard gardening program.
Marathon Kids is offered free to ÁùºÏ±¦µä through funding from The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, The Moody Foundation, St. David's Foundation and sponsorships from Whole Foods Market, Blue Cross Blue Shield and others, including individual donors.