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A Letter from Kids Marathon Director, Jaime Parker

Children…running a marathon? I asked myself the same question, four years ago, when I first heard about the Oklahoma City Memorial Kids Marathon. At the time, I was training for my second marathon and sharing my experiences with my first grade students. I asked them if they would be interested in training with me. To my surprise, they anxiously said, “Yes!”

So it began. From February to April, my six and seven year-old students logged miles both independently and with me at school. At first, this activity seemed like a fun way to exercise with my students and share my passion for running with them during the school day. I grew excited seeing the connection between running and my students’ behavior and learning. I witnessed an increase in their attention span in the classroom, an eagerness to learn, and the development of closer relationships, between the children, as a result of the cooperation of training together. Just think how good we all feel after a little exercise! As a class, we discussed the importance of the Memorial Marathon, how it came to be, and why it is such a meaningful race. A survivor of the Alfred P. Murrah building bombing came to speak to our class about the Memorial and Museum, in addition to the impacts of violence in our society...a special and influential moment in my classroom.

A simple idea, such as the children’s marathon, became a life-long citizenship lesson as well as a service-learning project. The meaning of perseverance, dedication, and compassion had a profound effect on the students. Together, we felt we gave back to the community in a small way, yet gained so much in the journey to achieve our goal. I can only hope that this journey led to a healthy habit of body, mind, and spirit that my former students will practice for many years to come!

The School Curriculum Guide was developed this year by Shanda Bandi, M.Ed., elementary school teacher and my Kids Marathon Coordinator! She took the simple ideas and activities from my former classroom and “ran with them”! All of the lesson plans, activities, letters to parents, students, and teachers were used last year at Jefferson Elementary in Norman, Oklahoma. This step by step guide on how to involve your students in the Oklahoma City Memorial Kids Marathon includes written sample letters and lessons utilizing the P.A.S.S. skills. It is a guide created by a teacher for teachers. Thank you, Jefferson Elementary, for allowing us to use your school’s amazing work and participation to share with others. Thank you, Shanda, for your tireless enthusiasm and love for children, their health, their character, and their futures! You are an inspiration of hope, perseverance, and strength!

Thank you teachers, parents, and students!
See you at the starting line on race day! Happy Training!
Jaime Parker, M.Ed. Kids Marathon Director

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