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Run Around Town

Hillary DeLong – Fall 2011

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Why We Run1. Low barrier of entry– No expensive equipment required;– Can be done anywhere;– Solo or group activity;– Set own pace.

2. Transferable skill-set– Physical skills transfer to other athletic endeavors;– Mental skills transfer to academic, social, and

athletic settings.

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Running the Numbers• Higher rates of athletic participation among adolescent

females are significantly associated with lower rates of both sexual activity and pregnancy. (Sabo, Farrell, Melnick, & Barnes, 1996)

According to “A Profile of Health and Health Resources within Chicago’s 77 Communities”:

• Approximately 22% of Black and Hispanic/Latino Chicago high school students are overweight, compared with approximately 12% of White students.

• 28% of Chicago’s children ages 10–13 years are obese, 1.5x greater than the national average.

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• The Chicago Dept. of Health has identified a need for more physical activity programs , as these are a key component in childhood obesity.

• The majority of students participating in after-school based running programs require financial assistance.

Running Low

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A Running Start

• Running programs promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being, as well as character development.

• Participants gain:– Stronger sense of identity;– Greater self-acceptance;– Healthier body image;– Heightened understanding of teamwork.

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Program Rundown• 12-week program, 24 sessions• Two age groups:

– Girls on the Run -- 3rd-5th graders– Girls on Track -- 6th-8th graders

• Program Focus: teamwork, community, and self-understanding.

• Approximately 100 GOTR programs in Chicago• Program goal: 5k non-competitive running event• Program objective: Reduce potential display of at-risk

activities among participants, including:– Adolescent pregnancies and eating disorders;– Depression and suicide attempts;– Substance/alcohol abuse problems; – Confrontations with the juvenile justice system.

• Cost: $150/participant – sliding income-based scale; scholarships can defray these costs

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Janay, 9yo

Mindy, 11yo

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Program Rundown• Chicago Public School partnership• 12,000 students• Two programs:

– Chicago Runners – 1st - 5th grade– Chicago Running Mates – 6th - 8th grade

• Chicago Runners:– Students run/walk for 15 minutes, 3-5 times a week during school

day (recess, lunch hour, or fitness break).– Distances logged in “virtual marathon” – Educational component follows marathon “route”– Students, classrooms earn incentives based on mileage.

• Chicago Running Mates:– Program includes 3 one-hour after school sessions/week – Sessions include: team-building exercises, running workout,

nutritional information, and motivational discussion promoting leadership and camaraderie

– Goal: Students participate in a local 5k or 8k race

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“For me, I like having Chicago Run in school. Running helps me be stronger and feel better when I'm upset.” 

Shanique, 3rd Grader“Chicago Run helps us become stronger and having Chicago Run keeps our brains on track.”

 Jella S., 4th Grader

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Running Tally

• Programs include educational, motivational, and physical skill development.

• Programs promote teamwork and camaraderie among students of different backgrounds/schools.

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Proposal

• Resolution to bring after-school running programs to all Chicago Public School elementary and middle school students.

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ResolutionWHEREAS, Recent studies have shown that obesity rates in Chicago children are 1.5 times higher than the national average; andWHEREAS, Children who are physically active are less likely to engage in negative, at-risk behavior; and WHEREAS, Chicago Public Schools currently maintains partnerships with after-school activities promoting physical activity among elementary and middle school students;WHEREAS, according to recent studies, students who participate in after- school based running programs are more likely to have a more positive self image, a better understanding of teamwork, and a higher level of self-esteem. Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, do hereby urge Chicago Public Schools to require running programs for all elementary and middle schools in Chicago.

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Current Program Proponents

• Gov. Quinn, Illinois Governor • Girls on the Run– Anita Alvarez, Cook County State's Attorney – Gail Williams, Chicago Public Schools, Board

Member• Chicago Run– Penny Pritzker, Chairman of the Chicago Public

Education Fund, Co-Founder

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Current Community Partners

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Potential Proponents• Rahm Emmanuel, Mayor of Chicago, Triathlete• Aldermen:– Sandi Jackson, South Shore, Ward 7– Margaret Laurino, Albany Park, Ward 39– Emma Mitts, Austin, Ward 37– Lona Lane, Ashburn, Ward 18– Toni Foulkes, Marquette Park, Ward 15– Michelle A. Harris, Chatham, Ward 8– Pat Dowell, Bronzeville, Ward 3– Roberto Maldonado, Humboldt Park, Ward 26– Debra Silverstein, Roger’s Park, Ward 50

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Potential Partners

• Chicago Department of Health• The President's Council on Physical Fitness and

Sports• Dept. of Family Support Services, Youth

Services Division• Chicago Public Schools

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Potential Community Proponent

Brittney Payton

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Resources• Girls on the Run Chicago: www.GOTRChicago.org• Girls on the Run: www.Girlsontherun.org• City of Chicago: www.Cityofchicago.org• Chicago Run: www.ChicagoRun.org• Chicago Public Schools: www.cps.edu • “

A Profile of Health and Health Resources within Chicago’s 77 Communities” - Yonek, J., Hasnain-Wynia, R. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Healthcare Equity/Institute for Healthcare Studies, 2011,