If you've been following the blog, you may remember a post about a wonderful nonprofit organization called GO FAR (Go Out For a Run). GO FAR is a comprehensive fitness program for children which promotes physical activity, healthy eating and good character. The goal of the GO FAR program is to empower children to make healthy lifestyle choices that they may integrate and sustain throughout their entire life. Specifically, GO FAR teaches children to set and reach goals and complete a 5K road race. GO FAR was developed in response to the childhood obesity epidemic. Today I had the wonderful privilege of attending the 7th Annual GO FAR 5K Fall race held in High Point, NC. 1000 runners (a record crowd) ran the race. About 75% of the runners were kids and the other 25% were coaches, volunteers, and parents. The success of the race is a result of the GO FAR kids, their great mom's and dads, teachers and the dedicated volunteers and wonderful sponsors.
What a wonderful experience of accomplishment for the kids, coaches, parents, and volunteers. I didn't know any of the runners, but my heart swelled with pride as I watched them cross that finish line. It was truly inspiring seeing their beaming faces as they finished and received their medals.
GO FAR is not just a program for North Carolina. The organization has already branched out to other states and it hopes to grow even more. To find out more about starting a GO FAR Club in your area [click here]. To get a sampling of what a GO FAR 5K race is like, check out the video clip below that RunnerDude filmed of today's festivities!
Wow! This is amazing! The website makes this seem like a North Carolina thing. Are there GO FAR organizations elsewhere in the country?
ReplyDeleteHi LookingUpAgain! The program started here in NC, but is growing. Go to http://www.gofarclub.org/joingofar.php and you'll find the contact number for the founder, Robin. She'll be able to give you information on setting up a GO FAR Club in your area. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis video gives me chills--- of emotion--- these kids were so happy. Everyone that was here had different ages, backgrounds, activity levels, and nationalities. We all came together had a wonderful time in our community for GO FAR.
ReplyDeletethank you for this information. as always, your site is a great source of inspiration and information. i plan on contacting Robin early next week. I hope you had a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteRun on, Dude!
Hi Hunt! Yep, the diversity of the GO FAR run was really amazing. I tell ya, "kid power" really rocks!
ReplyDeleteHi Gene! Thanks for the wonderful feedback! So excited that you'll be contacting Robin! Keep me posted!
ReplyDeleteA great couple of posts ...
ReplyDeleteRunning is there to be shared... I sometimes forget that. Thanks for the reminders ... I'm going to check out a GO FAR club for school! ;0)
Keep up the good work!
Good stuff. We have a program here in Austin called Marathon Kids and is run through the public school system. Both my kids do it every year and love it! As PE is continually reduced in our school systems, groups like this are extremely important for our country's health.
ReplyDelete