Marathon Kids

Join USU Extension as we run, walk and play our way to being healthy!

What is Marathon Kids?

Marathon Kids is a national program with the mission to get all kids moving. Research shows when children participate in Marathon Kids, they have a better chance of getting the recommended amount of daily physical activity. That’s good news for their bodies and minds. When kids feel healthy, they perform better in school, think more clearly, and improve their attitude/behavior. This program is free and all kids of any fitness level or age can participate.

Current USU Extension Marathon Kids Programs to Join

  • STATEWIDE VIRTUAL SUMMER PROGRAM: See details below

Do you want a Marathon Kids program in your county? Contact emma.parkhurst@usu.edu to find out how to the process started.

How to join the Summer USU Extension Marathon Kids Program.

Looking for a fun and free way to keep your family active this summer? Join USU Extension Marathon Kids June 3 – August 10, 2024 as we run, walk, and play our way to being healthy!

  • Step 1. Register HERE! 
    • Click on the link above and complete the registration survey to sign-up participants as young as 2 years of age.
  • Step 2. Set a goal & get active
    • No matter what you want to achieve, setting a goal is an important step to help guide your focus and keep you motivated.
    • You can walk, run, play, or do any kind of heart-pumping activity to count towards your marathon of activity – every mile or minute counts! If you aren’t able to officially measure your running or walking distance, you can base your mileage on time. Every five minutes of heart-pumping activity or exercise you do is equivalent to a quarter of a mile.

      Free Printable Goal Setting Worksheet

Examples of run/jog/walk minutes:

  • 5 minutes = 1/4 of a mile
  • 10 minutes = 1/2 of a mile
  • 15 minutes = 3/4 of a mile
  • 20 minutes = 1 mile

Examples of heart-pumping activities:

  • 5 minutes of jumping rope = 1/4 mile
  • 10 minutes jog/walk = 1/2 mile
  • 15 minutes of bike riding = 3/4 mile
  • 20 minutes of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout = 1 mile
graphic showing different types of heart pumping activity


Interested in getting active with friends? Considering becoming a USU Extension Marathon Kids coach?
Contact emma.parkhurst@usu.edu to see what in-person programs are near you and to learn about coach training opportunities!

Contact

Statewide Virtual Program

healthwellness
canning
nutrition county
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Davis County
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aware northern
Emma Parkhurst
HOFF
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Emma Parkhurst

Emma Parkhurst

Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor | Health and Wellness | Davis County

(435) 919-1334

emma.parkhurst@usu.edu

Marathon Kids Team

Cindy Nelson
Extension
nutrition county
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aware staff
Beaver County
expert
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aware central
mentalhealthteam
heart
healthwellness
Cindy Nelson

Cindy Nelson

Extension Associate Professor | Health and Wellness | 4-H and Youth | Beaver County

435-438-6452

cindy.nelson@usu.edu

Extension
homeandcomm
heart
home and community
healthwellness
Sadie Wilde
Faculty
Weber County
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agwellnessmentalhealthassistance
Davis County
Sadie Wilde

Sadie Wilde

Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor | Health & Wellness | Davis & Weber County

435-919-1324

sadie.wilde@usu.edu

home and community
expert
mentalhealthteam
aware staff
relationship experts
nutrition county
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Shannon Cromwell
healthwellness
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Sanpete County
Shannon Cromwell

Shannon Cromwell

Extension Associate Professor | Sanpete County

(435)-283-3472

shannon.cromwell@usu.edu

Directory
Extension
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Cache County
nutrition county
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Jenna Dyckman
healthwellness
expert
Jenna Dyckman

Jenna Dyckman

Extension Assistant Professor | Cache County

435-752-6263

jenna.dyckman@usu.edu

Extension
Christina Pay
Directory
Christina  Pay

Christina Pay

Extension Assistant Professor | Carbon County

435-636-3236

christina.pay@usu.edu

Millard County
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Eva Timothy
relationship experts
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Eva Timothy

Eva Timothy

Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor | Millard County Director

(435)-864-1483

eva.timothy@usu.edu