About
Kids are an important part of Marathon weekend. Participants from allover the United States and many countries come to the Olympic Peninsula to run in the Marathon. These adults train all year long to be in shape to run the distance. Kids have the opportunity to run their own marathon - they track 25 miles for 6 -10 weeks leading up to Marathon weekend. They set their own weekly goals, record their miles and earn rewards. On kids race day, the actual marathon course will be theirs and they will run their last 1.2 miles at City Pier under the same finish line as the marathon!
Our mission is to promote kids' health and fitness and to promote the marathon weekend as a family festival.
Clallam County students who complete the kids marathon program will be eligible for a $500 scholarship. Read about the Gene and Norma Turner Kids Marathon Achievement Award here (details are also provided in the kids marathon kit mailed to schools).
We welcome your school or classroom to participate. Once we establish communication our office will send out a full start up kit to your school. Please feel free to call or email if you have any questions (360) 417-1301, or larry@nodm.com.
Packet for teachers
Complete the online form to request a supply packet - click here.
These materials are included in the kit mailed to your classroom, but feel free to preview or print additional copies:
Frequently asked questions
How many miles do the kids run?
26.2 total miles – the same as an actual marathon! The program is designed for kids to start running 9-10 weeks before the official event (see suggested marathon schedule below). Kids run about 3 miles a week with a goal of having run 25 miles before the June event. On June 4th, the kids run a non-competitive 1.2 miles to complete their marathon on the official North Olympic Discovery Marathon course – finishing under the same finish line as the adult marathoners.
Does the program cost?
There is no charge for participation in this program at your school. This includes the program kit and mileage tokens. To receive the t-shirt and participate at the official NODM kids marathon in June, the registration fee is $10.00 paid by parents. In some instances the school PTO has paid the registration fees. No one is turned away if they are unable to pay. Please advise us of students who cannot pay and we will provide a scholarship for them.
How is the registration fee collected?
NODM will provide your school with a registration form template to go home with all students in their Friday packets. Parents will send the completed form and payment directly to NODM. NODM will provide teachers with a list of received registration forms upon request.
What if kids run after school or on the weekends?
Great! Kids can bring a note from home to their teacher who will make sure they are credited for the miles they ran.
What if a child wants to run at school, but not officially enter the marathon?
Great. We had many kids run at school last year, but they never registered for the marathon event.
What if a child does not complete the 25 miles prior to June 4th?
No problem! All kids whose parents sign a release waiver are invited and encouraged to run/walk the 1.2 miles at the Kids Marathon event.
June 2nd, 4pm!
The City Pier in Port Angeles is taken over by kids of all ages, parents, grandparents, principals, school staff and even business people and city officials who come to cheer for the kids. Kids are encouraged and supported the entire 1.2 miles. Everyone receives a goodie bag, race number, finishers ribbon, food and drink and a great celebration at the finish line.
Schedule
Mid-March
PE Teachers receive requested marathon kit and begin preparing student mileage cards.
March/April/May
Kids start running and tracking miles. It is very possible for kids to average 2.5 miles per week. 50 minutes of running time would allow kids up to a 20 minute/mile pace to achieve their goal. Providing two extra recess times per week would really help kids achieve their goal and also keep them focused and healthy during class time!
April/May
NODM would love to come to your school assembly and give a pep talk on fitness/running/walking - the importance of staying active and healthy. Or we could come and run/walk at recess.
April 30th
Registration Forms for the event should be sent home with students in Friday packets. This will allow plenty of time for forms to be submitted to the marathon office.
April 30th
Halfway Mark! Recognize kids who have already accomplished a half marathon (13.1 miles).
May
Send updates and reminders home in weekly newsletters. NODM will be emailing suggested highlights/comments for newsletters - especially information about the scholarship opportunity.
June 2nd
Kids meet at City Pier to run the final 1.2 miles of their marathon on the North Olympic Discovery Marathon course!
June 4th
Teachers wrap up the program in their classroom. Distribute 26.2 tokens (year end assembly) and submit completed mileage logs to marathon office by the end of the week.
