In a move sure to generate even more excitement for the debut of Roanoke’s new marathon, the YMCA of Roanoke Valley announced they are partnering with The Blue Ridge Marathon for the first ever YMCA Kids Marathon presented by Chick-Fil-A. It is a plan that sets up a way for kids, specifically young runners and walkers in grades K-5, to “participate in a marathon that is modified just for kids.”
Cal Johnson, Executive Director of the “Y” made the announcement on Feb. 12 at the downtown YMCA where he introduced and thanked Bob Duffessy, Manager of the Valley View Chick-Fil-A, for joining with them to promote fitness for kids. The Chick-Fil-A trademark “cow” was in attendance, adding to the festive atmosphere, and much to the delight of the toddlers in the daycare. Duffessy said he was pleased to sponsor the Kids Marathon, saying it was a perfect fit as both the YMCA and Chick-Fil-A share many of the same values and goals.
Johnson said, “By participating in this program, we hope to instill in each child a love and understanding of running and a chance to develop a healthy lifestyle when it is most important. Each young athlete will learn to set and achieve an attainable goal and enjoy the pride of accomplishment.”
The program is set up so that kids complete their miles ahead of time, and then run or walk the last mile on Race Day, April 24, crossing “the same finish line as the elite athletes participating in the Blue Ridge Marathon.”
Registration began immediately after the announcement; the first 300 kids to register will get a marathon pedometer to keep track of their miles. Kids Marathon participants will also receive a “cool tech performance race shirt, a race number badge, a finishers medal and a goodie bag.”
John Carlin, who serves as an Officer for the YMCA (Vice President), also spoke to the group, explaining how “Cal [Johnson] and I started talking about ways to involve the local children and the local schools” in the event. He referred to Chick-Fil-A saying, “What a perfect partner; our mission is the same – [one of which is] promoting healthy lifestyles — what a great, great, synergy.”
In looking for ways to further encourage and involve kids, they came up with the idea of assigning each school their own special shirt, so kids would be able to quickly recognize their classmates – adding a little school spirit into the mix. The YMCA is inviting “all area elementary schools to build a team and will offer opportunities to clock miles during physical education classes,” according to Johnson. Miles can also be tracked in many activities including dancing, playing basketball, snow shoveling and more.
There is an entry fee of $20 through Feb. 28; it goes up to $25 after that. Johnson said that they “will be offering scholarships to kids who cannot afford the fee; it is important to us that this race is accessible to every kid in the valley.” He added that, “in the end we are putting Christian principles into action…and partnering with two wonderful organizations: National College and Chick-Fil-A.”
Carlin observed, “What better way to strengthen the connection between the Parkway, which attracts many visitors, and our valley, than to have a race like this with all the touch-points along the way that spotlight our area as you complete that race.”
He is visibly proud of the effort, adding that, “no one is making any money off of this [event]; it’s for the kids, for the community, and for the Roanoke Valley.”
For information, and to register, visit www.BlueRidgeMarathon.com. Scholarships are available by contacting Cal Johnson at 527-9622 ext. 3102. For more information on building a team, call the YMCA’s Spencer Hoopes at 527-9622 Ext. 3105.
By Cheryl Hodges [email protected]
