Kids finish marathon for CASA Kane County event
Submitted by CASA Kane County
The CASA Kane County Fox Valley Kids Marathon was held Sept. 21 in downtown St. Charles. The third annual sold-out event with 500 registered children began at 3 p.m.
This is the second year that CASA Kane County was the title sponsor for this event.
“The health and heart of children is everything we focus our efforts on at CASA Kane County,” said Gloria Bunce, executive director at CASA Kane County. “Supporting healthy children through mind and body is what I know we all strive for in our community. “
The race was open to children ages 5 to 13. Instead of running all 26.2 miles at once, the kids were given 16 weeks over the summer to run or walk 25 miles, one mile at a time. On Saturday, they completed the final 1.2 miles and claimed their marathon medal.
“It was a huge success last year,” co-race director Craig Bixler said. “We love that we’re able to get the children involved, and we felt this was a fantastic way to promote good health habits in our youth.
“Instead of a one-time occurrence, the children are given all summer, and hopefully they see the importance of regular exercise. This year we were so happy that we were sold out with 500 children participating. The joy on the kids’ faces when they cross the finish line and receive their medal is a great sight.”
The CASA Kane County Kids Marathon is a great opportunity to partner with the Fox Valley Marathon team and collaborate on raising awareness and support. The staff at the Fox Valley Marathon has resulted in a great partnership and their hard work has been evident in how much this event has grown in just three years.
Fox Valley Orthopedics teamed up with CASA Kane County this year and provided general sponsorship along with a $2,500 donation back to CASA.
This summer-long event provided FVO the opportunity to educate children about the importance of “Keeping it Moving” — a part of FVO’s 40th anniversary campaign made up of 40 weeks of celebration of community events, giveaways etc.
The “Keeping It Moving” theme was designed to say thanks to the community and inspire people to keep moving and stay fit at every stage in life.
“We were thrilled that FVO has joined CASA Kane County in supporting this great event” says Lori Hewitt, CASA Kane County’s director of development. “What a great way for children to continue to learn about health and fitness while helping us educate the community about child abuse and neglect that is happening right here in Kane County.”
CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system. In 2012, 264 CASA volunteers represented 556 abused and neglected children.
For more information on how to become a volunteer or make a donation, visit www.casakanecounty.org.