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Mayor lends support for Global Save the Children World Marathon and 1,500 Meter ChallengeTuesday, October 16bsp.gif)
The Minnesota Vikings are joining Ramalynn Montessori Academy, the first school in the United States to participate in the Save the Children World Marathon Challenge, in helping bring awareness to childhood hunger. Next Tuesday, October 16, just before 9 a.m., twenty-seven children (ages 11 - 13) will begin a simultaneous relay of a full marathon, 26.2 miles, against 297 teams entered from around the world. Each child will run 200 meters for a total of 210 laps to reach the full marathon distance. The goal is to beat the world-record time of 2:03:38 while recognizing World Food Day and running in solidarity with those going hungry in underserved countries. Prior to the World Marathon, thirty-six children (ages 7 - 11) will compete in a 1500 meter relay against 63 other teams from around the world in an attempt to break the world record of 3 minutes and 26 seconds. Each child will run 50 meters. Mayor Gene Winstead, Bloomington, will serve as one of the celebrity starters, and echoes these sentiments, "The World Marathon Challenge is a great example of kids getting engaged to make a difference with children from other countries. I’m so excited to have a school from Bloomington representing the United States. I hope every school in Minnesota will participate next year." Vikings linebacker Jasper Brinkley, along with Viktor the Viking and Vikings cheerleaders, will join in Tuesday’s festivities. Brinkley and Viktor will participate in a celebrity ceremonial run, while the cheerleaders will cheer on the children throughout the races. "This is truly a great way to send an important message regarding the plight of childhood hunger and malnutrition," said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. "Through our Vikings Children’s Fund and the NFL’s Play 60 program, we have always been committed to child-related causes. My wife Jane and I are both runners, so this is a natural event for the Vikings organization to participate in to help raise greater awareness for this cause." Carolyn Miles, President and CEO of Save the Children stated, "Save the Children aims to create a level playing field where all families have access to nutritious food or have the means to buy it. That’s why we appreciate the support of these students in the Race Against Hunger. Together, we can fight child hunger and give every kid a chance to grow up healthy and prosper."
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