Marathon Kids

What is Marathon Kids? Marathon Kids improves the health of children by providing them with the motivation, tools, and support in order to live happier, healthier lifestyles. Marathon Kids offers programs and services for all children, however we target underserved communities who are most prone to sedentary lifestyles, diet related illnesses, as well as mental and other behavioral conditions.

How did Marathon Kids get started? Marathon Kids was founded in 1996 in Austin, Texas. Our goal was to encourage children and their families to build a love and habit of running, walking and making healthy food choices.

Who are Marathon Kids? In Marathon Kid’s first year, more than 6,800 Austin school children participated in the free program. The program grew throughout Texas to include Dallas, Houston, El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley and now serves more than 250,000 children in Texas alone. Nationally, Marathon Kids™ expects to serve over 270,000 children in Austin, Dallas, Houston, El Paso, the Rio Grande Valley, Baltimore, and Los Angeles. More than 1,200,000 children have completed the 26.2 mile Marathon Kids™ challenge since the program began.