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Alexandria School Receives Healthy School Award; George Mason Elementary School Celebrates First Win

By Tami Faram
Quantico, VA
March 16, 2010
For the Washington Running Report

 

For the first time in three years participating in the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Healthy Kids Fun Run, George Mason Elementary School of Alexandria, VA, has received the Healthy School Award. Students and teachers celebrated their achievement during the award ceremony held at the school on March 4.

The award was presented to George Mason for its student participation in the Healthy Kids Fun Run held on October 24, 2009. Having just 25 students take part in the one-mile fun run in 2007, George Mason's participation grew to 170 finishers in 2009 race, resulting in nearly 40 percent involvement of the entire student population. 

In addition to the award, George Mason Elementary received a cash donation from Marine Corps Marathon sponsor, FAMILY Magazine of Reston, VA.

Showing that healthy bodies lead to healthy smiles, Marine Corps Marathon sponsor Sodexo supplied the entire student body with orange slices and chocolate milk. In addition, the staff of the National Children's Museum presented the "Museum Without Walls" program to the students throughout the day.

During the ceremony, Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Deputy Race Director Angela Huff told the students that maintaining activity while they are young will continue them on a healthy path as they become teens and adults.

"It's important to eat the right foods and exercise as much as you can," Huff said. "Whether you like to run, swim, or ice skate like the U.S. Olympic athletes, you must stay active." 

U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Base Quantico were joined by MCM mascot Miles the bulldog and Sodexo's mascot Lift-Off! as they led George Mason students in PT drills in the school gymnasium.

Fairfax County Schools, Eagle View Elementary received the Healthy Schools Award on February 18 for having 182 participants in the Healthy Kids Fun Run, while Lynbrook Elementary had 290 students finish the race. Lynbrook will receive the award during a school assembly on March 24.

The 2010 Healthy Kids Fun Run will be held on Saturday, October 30. Online registration for kids ages 6 to 13 opens May 5 at www.marinemarathon.com.

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