The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is again doing its part to get children moving and inspire them to lead active lifestyles.  The Love to Run (L2R) program give students in first through eighth grades an opportunity to get involved during Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. 

The Love to Run (L2R) program was developed as a partnership between the Boys and Girls Club of Green Bay and the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon for the purpose of increasing youth interest in the sport of running and increasing youth participation in the Cellcom Green Bay 5K.

Students participate in a six-week program that covers running basics, with an overall goal to make running fun.

“Today 17% of our youth are classified as obese,” said Sarah Stiloski, L2R Director for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. “Obese children are at risk for health problems during their youth and as adults. The L2R Program was developed with the purpose of engaging youth in running as a healthy lifelong hobby.”

The training program consists of two workouts a week, typically done as a group at each school. The framework combines warm-ups, a run, and a question of the day for added education.

“We have 26 schools involved in the 2011 Love to Run program,” said Ryan. “In 2008 there were only eight and it continues to grow each year. Everyone is very excited, especially the kids.”

Schools participating include: Bay Harbor (Suamico), Cameron Schools, Crivitz Elementary School, Crivitz Schools, Danz Elementary, Dickinson Elementary, Edison Middle School, Fort Howard Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Holy Cross Elementary, Howard Elementary, Howe Elementary, McAuliffe School, Redeemer Lutheran School, St. Bernard School, St. Mark School, Sullivan Elementary, Sunnyside Elementary School (Pulaski), Valley View Elementary School, Washington Middle School, Wequiock Elementary, Wisconsin International School, Jefferson Elementary, Resurrection Catholic School, Pilgrim Lutheran School and Martin School.

The Cellcom Green Bay 5K takes place on Saturday, May 14 at 8:30 a.m. at Lambeau Field. Details can be found at www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com

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The twelfth annual Cellcom Green Bay Marathon will take place on May 13-15, 2011. Over the past 11 years, the race has generated over $410,000 in proceeds for local charities. The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon seeks to create community spirit through a world-class marathon for people of all athletic abilities. For more information visit www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com.