Kid's Marathon
Object Image, replacement for Object that CuteSITE Builder was unable to create from RTF.
Rod Dixon, Olympic and World Championship Bronze Medalist and winner of the New York City Marathon, is the creator of the KiDSMARATHON Program, which will run in conjunction with the Litchfield Hills Road Race and Litchfield's Parks & Recreation Department, under the sponsorship of Litchfield Public Schools and Litchfield Hills Food Systems.
KiDSMARATHON is the future in creative, motivational and, most importantly, life- changing fitness programs for kids.  It encompasses healthy eating habits, regular exercise and stretching correctly...focusing on kids 7 years through 12 years.  It is an eight-week program where kids learn about running, the marathon and the history of the Olympics.  The program will be entwined with the health and fitness curriculum at Litchfield's schools during the 2008-09 school year, including continuation of the successful Chef in Residence program, all combined for a great beginning to the journey of active, healthy living for KiDSMARATHON PIONEERS.
Dear KiDSMARATHON PIONEERS.... I want to salute you as you step up to the challenge of becoming athletes, beginning with your first steps in training. Most people will never run any race in their life. Some will never run a mile.  Running in the KiDSMARATHON is a way to show your family, teachers, and friends that you took the challenge, finished the race and won your medal. No one can take that from you. Have a wonderful time in the days ahead as you run with your friends, become fitter and faster, and aim for race day. Run like the wind.... Bill Rodgers.. Olympian and four-time winner of Boston and New York City Marathons.

We hope that you will join us on this wonderful journey, as we create a lasting impression for our kids.  The Litchfield Hills Road Race community has fully embraced the KiDSMARATHON PIONEERS program.

For up to eight weeks, beginning April 14, 2008, Litchfield's PIONEER kids (ages 7-12) will train using the KiDSMARATHON Training Guide, mentored by their parents/guardian. The program is designed by Rod Dixon, Olympic Medalist and winner of the 1983 New York City Marathon, endorsed by Carol Goodrow, author of the books, Kids Running, Happy Feet Healthy Food and The Treasure of Health and Happiness.  Litchfield Public Schools and the Town of Litchfield support the program.  Each kid will work to accumulate 25 miles before June 8th, the day of the famous Litchfield Hills Road Race.  The program is completed in grand fashion, as each kid is able to finish the final mile of the marathon distance in front of the thousands of cheering fans at the Litchfield Hills Road Race.  KiDSMARATHON PIONEERS will be introduced at a fitness clinic the day before the race and given a unique KiDSMARATHON PIONEER race-day tee shirt.
Each PIONEER who finishes the KiDSMARATHON program will receive an official KiDSMARATHON PIONEER Medal, and attend a Rod Dixon-hosted race-day celebration event, where they will receive a signed Rod Dixon VICTORY POSTER.  They will also have taken a GREAT step toward a lifetime of fitness and healthy living!
All potential KidsMarathon participants are urged to begin their training for the 8-week, accumulation of 26.2 miles, by running a few miles the week of vacation. All running done on the week of Spring Vacation will count towards your goal of completing the 25 miles (or more if you like!) in training, with the final 1.2 miles run with all the KidsMarathoners led by the creator of the KidsMarathon program, Olympic Medalist, former world record-holder, and winner of the New York City Marathon, Rod Dixon. Participants are urged to keep a diary and write down their workouts in order to more accurately add up the needed 25 miles in training. This can be done in school during Physical Education or recess, after school with their “mentors” or at home with their family.
Dixon and several “mentors” will run with the KidsMarathoners on their final leg of their “marathon” when they reach their goal of finishing. As “Finishing is Winning! And Winning is Finishing!” is Rod's theme for this program which focuses on children between the ages of 7 and 12 years of age, giving them exposure to good eating habits and sound physical training to get them a good start for a healthy, happy and active, long life. Dixon spoke to over 300 school children in the Litchfield Center and Intermediate schools while on a visit here on April 10th and 11th.

All forms for the KidsMarathon should be sent to:Litchfield Parks and Recreation P.O. Box 12, Bantam, CT 06750. Fee for the program is $15 and should be made out to “KidsMarathon.” All applications must be in by April 19th.

Any questions, please contact Litchfield Parks and Recreation at (860) 567-7569.