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Kids Get Rocking into Fitness to Go the Marathon Distance

Former NFL and Texas Longhorn Priest Holmes, Mayor Julian Castro, and the Holmes High School drumline and cheerleaders, along with 600 students at Glass Elementary School helped kickoff San Antonio Sports’ inaugural School Rock Challenge.  The 10-week program encourages healthy lifestyle changes one mile at a time and gets kids moving.   Holmes got the crowd going with his inspirational message, and the Mayor encouraged them to complete their journey.

Offered to school districts at no cost, children in grades K-5 are following a walking or running training schedule during which they will cover 25.2 miles, keeping track of their activity in special journals. School Rock Challenge will culminate with school-based celebrations on Friday, Nov. 13 during which students will complete their final mile and the 26.2 mile marathon.  Kids Rock will be held the following day, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will be held on Sunday, Nov. 15.

“We know that inactivity is a major contributor to childhood obesity and its associated health risks,” says Susan Blackwood, executive director of San Antonio Sports.  “The School Rock Challenge joins our Valero Go!Kids Challenge as an incentive to help get kids moving throughout the school year.”

Glass Elementary in Northside ISD has nine teachers and staff, including their principal, Patricia Lambert, who are running in the marathon.  Northside ISD will have 285 faculty and staff running in the marathon or half marathon.