McAlister Intermediate School Marathon Runners
More than 100 McAlister Intermediate School students were among the 850 participants in Hartford Marathon Foundation’s (HMF) FitKids in School medal day on October 24 at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain. They joined 18 schools from across CT to finish their final mile, 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.
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. A $20,000 grant from Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation offset transportation expenses for the schools to participate in the recognition event, where they 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 and fitness activities hosted by Dick’s Sporting Goods and 2-4-1 Sports. Students were provided healthy snacks compliments of HMF and partners including Bakery On Main, Lesser Evil Snacks and New England Dairy.
Through a generous endowment provided in 2022 by Dr. Susan Beris, a Southbury pediatrician, HMF is able to reach more students and increase inclusion, diversity and opportunities to support the next generation of lifelong runners. 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.
Learn more about upcoming Hartford Marathon Foundation events and programs at www.HartfordMarathon.com.