Oct. 16, 2007
For the second year, UCLA hosted the Marathon Kids Kick-Off at Drake Stadium on Saturday, October 13. Approximately 5,000 children and their parents filled Drake Stadium and began their goal of running or walking a distance of a marathon over the next five months. Jeanette Bolden, Head Women's Track and Field coach and 2008 U.S. Women's Track and Field coach, welcomed the participants and ran the opening ceremonial lap to kick off the event. Over 120 Bruin student-athletes were on hand to support the k-5th graders and sign autographs after the event.
During the next five-months, children accompanied by their parents will run or walk at ¼ to ½ mile segments towards their goal of the marathon distance of 26.2 miles. Along with the running, Marathon Kids will eat five-a-day fruits and vegetables for 26.2 days a month as part of a nutrition program. Approximately 10,000 Los Angeles-area children are registered for this year's event.
The program concludes with the Final Mile Medal celebration at Drake Stadium on Saturday, March 1. For more information log on to www.marathonkids.org.