170 New Britain Children Participate in Hartford Marathon Foundation’s FitKids in School Medal Day

About 170 New Britain kids were part of 850 children participating in the Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) FitKids in School medal day.

The event was held on October 24, 2023 in Walnut Hill Park.

Students from Holmes Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Northend Elementary School and Vance Elementary School participated.

Organizer say that the, “final mile,” event was,

a culmination of five weeks of training supported by the Hartford Marathon Foundation through the Susie Beris, MD, Youth Running Program, designed to help inspire a lifelong love of running.

Students from 18 schools from other towns participated as well. At the event, organizers say, students, “crossed the finish line after their mile and earned a medal. After the race, students enjoyed soccer demos with Hartford Athletic, golf with First Tee – Connecticut.”

“Students were provided healthy snacks compliments of HMF and partners event organizers said, “including Bakery On Main, Lesser Evil Snacks and New England Dairy.”

Organizers say that, “The FitKids in School program is free for participating schools and has served more than 20,000 elementary and middle school students over the last decade.”

The program is supported by, “A $20,000 grant from Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation offset transportation expenses for the schools to participate in the recognition event.” The company also sponsored fitness activities at the event, together with 2-4-1 Sports.

The program is also supported by Southbury pediatrician Dr. Susan Beris, who, the organization says, provides a generous endowment that enables the organization to, “to reach more students and increase inclusion, diversity and opportunities to support the next generation of lifelong runners.”‘

The organization adds that,

In addition to this existing FitKids in School program and HMF FitKids races for 2-11 year olds, the new Junior Team HMF brings middle school runners to volunteer and race at HMF Events, and the HMF High School Program supports running programs and coaches in underserved communities.

Organizers say that more information about Hartford Marathon Foundation events and programs is available at www.HartfordMarathon.com.

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