ING Run For Something Better in Georgia

Program Overview:  The IRFSB program is an 9 week program incorporated into PE classes within the public middle schools.  Each participant runs 12 miles leading up to a half marathon distance throughout the program. The children keep training logs and are provided evaluation from their coaches. 

The IRFSB culminating event is held during the ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon in March.  The IRFSB participants run their final 1.1 miles to complete their half marathon in the running program.  Transportation, lunches, t-shirts, finisher medals, and entertainment are provided to the participants at the event.

Beneficiaries: The parent company of the ING Georgia Marathon, US Road Sports and Entertainment implements the IRFSB program through their public charity, the Fit Nation Foundation.  The Fit Nation Foundation works with Atlanta Public Schools and Fulton County Schools to run the IRFSB program in their middle schools. 

Statistics:

• Over, 2,700 children ran in the IRFSB program in 2009 and nearly 1,000 particpated in the final mile during the ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon.
• Over 1,500 children ran in the IRFSB program in 2008 and nearly 700 participated in the final mile.
• In 2007, ING piloted an IRFSB program with 4 APS middle schools where over 100 children ran their final mile.

Click here to read more about what we do.

Essay Contest:  Congratulations to the essay winners in the Georgia program; Erwin Dukes, from Sammye E Coan Middle School, Jarlee Earby from McNair Middle School and Michael Starr, Ridgeview Charter School.  Read what they had to say about participating in the ING Run For Something Better program: 

            "My favorite thing about the ING Run For Something Better Marathon is that it acknowledges everyone for their effort, no matter if they finish first, second or last.  It shows people that you don't have to be the best at everything to achieve something." - Erwin Dukes

             "...I can't wait for Sunday March 29, 2009.  That day brings excitement, just thinking about it. Knowing that thousands of kids are running for the same reason and goal in mind is awesome." - Jarlee Earby

             "I have learned that running and other forms of exercise are very important because you need to stay healthy for a strong heart.  It is good for kids my age to learn this early in life and hopefully keep it up their entire lives." - Michael Starr