Students Participate in Kid's Marathon

Published April 28, 2011

Hundreds of Williamson County students will lace up their running shoes Friday, April 29 for the 10th annual ING KiDS ROCK Nashville event.

The one-mile fun run, formerly known as the Country Music Kids' Marathon, is held each year on the day before the Country Music Marathon. At least 17 Williamson County schools are participating in this year's event which is open to children in grades K through seven.

Students who sign up for the program complete a 25.2 mile training program in the months leading up to the event. On April 29, they complete the final mile at LP Field in Nashville.

Teachers say it's a great way to get students excited about exercise, while teaching them how to set goals. "The marathon is such a fun, exciting experience," said Scales Elementary School Physical Education Teacher Brenda Vroon. "It is my hope that this will motivate students to possibly run in more races."

Like a lot of schools, Scales Elementary has seen a steady increase in student participation since the program began. This year, they have 100 students participating in the marathon. In addition, a fifth grader from Scales, Carly Clo, will sing the national anthem before the start of the event.

Bethesda Elementary is another school that's encouraging students to lead active, healthy lives by being part of the marathon training program. Physical Education Teacher Jill Moore says her students are excited to be part of this special event.

"The students seem to enjoy the feeling of having a goal and reaching it with a group of fellow classmates," said Moore. "I hope they will take away a sense of pride for working hard and attaining their goals."