Three hundred students from the Detroit Public Schools Community District received new running shoes as part of their preparation for the upcoming Kids Marathon event. Scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2023, the marathon encourages children to run a total of 26.2 miles, with 25.2 miles completed in the weeks leading up to race day.
Among the students participating is Kimberly Johnson, a fifth grader from John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy. On receiving her new shoes, she made sure they fit properly by lacing them up and taking a few steps, followed by a small jog in place. “They fit nice, they feel nice, I can wiggle my feet. There’s enough space,” Johnson remarked.
This initiative is part of the second annual Kids Marathon, presented by Priority Health, which is included in the 48th annual Detroit Free Press Marathon, sponsored by MSU Federal Credit Union. Students from five participating schools—Golightly Education Center, John R. King, Davison Elementary-Middle School, Bates Academy, and Mark Twain School for Scholars—are involved in this program.
Building Community Through Running
Participants in the Kids Marathon, aged between 6 and 13, are required to track their progress to complete the initial 25.2 miles by Friday, October 17. On the following day, they will run their final mile near the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. The shoes were delivered three weeks after being fitted, a moment eagerly anticipated by both students and organizers.
Aaron Velthoven, Vice President and race director of the Free Press Marathon, expressed his excitement about the delivery day. “It’s one of my favorite days,” he said, noting the joy on children’s faces as they receive their new footwear. He emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We were thinking deeply about how we can impact the city of Detroit more and get residents involved in the sport.”
The school community also plays a vital role in this initiative. John Carson, dean of students and athletic director at John R. King, highlighted the school’s commitment to providing enriching opportunities for students and their families. “We’re always trying to offer something more to our community,” Carson stated. He believes that participating in events like the Kids Marathon helps motivate students to remain engaged in their education.
Fostering Resilience and Enjoyment
Two sixth graders from John R. King, La’Nayia Collins and Destiny Valentine, are gearing up for the event for the second time. Collins shared her experience from the previous year, when she struggled to finish due to an asthma flare-up. This year, she is focused on pacing herself to manage her condition better. “If I’m feeling weak, I will just pace,” she explained. “It’s kinda like a jog, but a little faster, and at the end I sprint.”
Carson hopes participants will not only complete the race but also have a memorable experience. “Just have a great time and enjoy the experience,” he encouraged. He aims for students to return with enthusiasm, sharing their positive experiences at the Detroit Free Press Marathon and looking forward to future events.
Eric Guzmán, who covers youth sports culture for the Free Press as part of the Report for America initiative, emphasizes the importance of community events like this in fostering athletic participation among young people. Contributions to support this initiative can be made as a tax-deductible donation. For further information, contact Eric Guzmán at [email protected] or call 313-222-1850. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EricGuzman90.