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New York Road Runners Foundation: Mighty Milers Program

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Twenty-five years ago, New York City public schools virtually eliminated all physical education programs. Now millions of children in New York are growing up without the physical conditioning and character growth that running provides. Studies show that overweight children are more likely to become overweight, and obese adults have a greater chance of heart disease and diabetes than their peers of a healthier weight.

The New York Road Runners Foundation aims to establish community-based running programs that enhance physical heath, emotional well-being and personal achievement within underserved populations throughout New York City. One of its running programs, the Mighty Milers, seeks to instill the daily habit of running or walking for physical fitness and overall health in school children. Children participating in the Mighty Milers program run or walk at least one marathon (26.2 miles) during the school year. Students have the opportunity to earn incentives for reaching designated milestones, and classes as a whole can also be rewarded. Participants are encouraged to go online to track their progress, as well as to see progress made by classmates.

Mighty Milers is looking to end the cycle of overweight children through running. Currently, the Mighty Milers can be found in more than 100 New York City schools.