by 
Share On Social!
Parents and students from Central Elementary, a predominantly Latino school in San Diego, CA, celebrated accomplishing their goal of walking or jogging over 100 miles in less than a year, according to a Mid-City Community Action Network (CAN) blog.
According to the blog, the school’s 100 mile club has over 50 students, and this year eleven of its members and some of their parents logged in over 100 miles.
One student, 7 year old Alvaro Perez and his mother Margarita, walked a total of 214 miles.
The group, which is primarily parent led, was started in fall 2013 by parent Jos Ramos in collaboration with the Central Health and Wellness Council.
With the support of the school’s principal, Liz Duvall, the team applied for and received a start up acceleration grant from Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign. They also invited parents to sign up as volunteers for the program, which is offered to students five days a week, before school. The results were highly encouraging. Not only does the program teach students the value of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it also prepares them to succeed in the classroom.
In addition to the morning walks, leaders of the 100 mile club organized the very first “Central Run” to get more students interested in running.
The group looks forward to a new year of walking many more miles and is currently seeking funds to keep the program running.
By The Numbers
33
percent
of Latinos live within walking distance (<1 mile) of a park
