Local Teams, Mpacting Dreams
Marathon Kids was founded by self-described "middle-aged slow runner" Kay Morris in 1995 as a for-profit sole proprietor-ship in Austin, TX. After finding herself enthusiastically running and filling in a running log from her latest issue of Runner's World Magazine, the idea struck her - maybe this simple concept would help children run more and experience the joy of physical activity! With the support of founding financial sponsor Paul Carrozza and Run Tex Stores an estimated 2,000 Austin elementary school children participated in Marathon Kids' first program year.
Marathon Kids became a registered 501(c)(3) charity in 2004 and steadily grew beyond Austin, to Dallas, Houston, Rio Grande Valley, Los Angeles, Baltimore and El Paso which comprise the "Marquee City" service areas. In 2012, Marathon Kids piloted a scalable program model in six additional Texas towns and cities; Lubbock, Abilene, Wichita Falls, Waco, Ft. Worth and Marshall. Last year, over 286,000 K-5th graders accepted the 26.2 mile challenge with the support and guidance of over 1,000 teachers who administrate the program in their elementary schools.
Marathon Kids has been the proud recipient of numerous awards for its work including the 2005 Runner's World Magazine, "Heroes of Running Award", the Livestrong Marathon's 2012 "Doolittle Award" and Kay Morris and Marathon Kids was named the 2012 Texas Health Champion by the Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living.
The Marathon Kids program remains the only "evidence-based" school-based physical activity and healthy lifestyle program for children in the country (according to all available data) and is succeeding at its mission: to improve the health of children by providing them the motivation, tools and support to live happier and healthier lifestyles.

Your donation will provide some of the following awesome opportunities for our children and families: