Monumental Kids Movement, a youth running and wellness program operated by Beyond Monumental, is once again underway in local schools. Over 50 schools will participate in the ongoing program from the back to school season until early November, which has grown from a single pilot program in 2012.
The seven-to-nine-week, semi-weekly youth running program focuses on educating Indianapolis Youth about the benefits of exercise, proper diet and healthy living. Students with at least 75% participation throughout this bi-weekly program earn a free 5K race entry to a Monumental event. To date, over 7,500 students have graduated from the program including 1,719 in 2018. Monumental Kids Movement has participating schools within Marion county from Indianapolis Public Schools, MSD of Lawrence Township, MSD of Pike Township and MSD of Washington Township.
Monumental Kids Movement is funded through Beyond Monumental running events, donations, and by fundraisers for Team Monumental Kids. In 2019, the program received a generous grant from Healthcare Initiatives, Inc., an Indianapolis-based private foundation supporting the advancement of human health and well-being.
In 2018 Beyond Monumental and Athletic Annex partnered to outfit as many participating students as possible with proper running shoes. Patrons of Athletic Annex can opt to “buy a pair, give a pair” by mentioning Monumental Kids at Athletic Annex or using the code MKM2019 at www.athleticannex.com.
“Monumental Kids Movement, and the cause it represents, is the primary focus of our organization,” said Jed Cornforth, Executive Director of Beyond Monumental. “Throughout the years we’ve been able to have a more meaningful impact on local schools and the students who participate. We plan to continue to grow the program and look forward to another great year of participation.”
Beyond Monumental is the 501(c)3 non-profit responsible for the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K. The 12th running of the event will take place Saturday, November 9, 2019. Registration is open online.
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About Beyond Monumental
Beyond Monumental provides the Indianapolis community with a complement of activities built around their premiere event that promotes healthy living & fitness for all ages. Beyond Monumental gives back to the Indianapolis community by supporting youth programming that reinforces healthy lifestyles for young people, with an emphasis on working with urban students and Indianapolis Public Schools, donating more than $1.3 million in 11 years. The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is a top 15 marathon in the US and is nationally recognized by Runners’ World as one of “Ten Great Marathons for First Timers”. The 12th annual running is scheduled for Nov. 9, 2019. www.beyondmonumental.org
