The Corinth Coca-Cola Classic 10k Race began in 1982, and has been an annual tradition for our community for more than 30 years.  The race has put a spotlight on physical fitness for our community over three decades.  It has introduced many to the joy and accomplishment of the sport of running.  We are rewarded when we see generations of families participating in our race each year!  With the race becoming such a large community draw, it presents the opportunity to use the event to further physical fitness in our community.  The need for physical activity by our children is well documented and we have elected to try to help in that area, encouraging healthy lifestyles which include regular exercise.

We were far along in our planning when we discovered an existing program sponsored by Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), that coincided with our ideas for the needs of our local young people.  RRCA launched its youth running program “Kids Run the Nation” in response to the growing national concern for children’s health status in America.  The program is designed to meet the physical activity goals outlined by the USDA for children in grades kindergarten through sixth grade.  Materials are designed to help establish fitness programs that can be implemented as a physical education or classroom wellness curriculum, as a before or after-school program, or as a community-based youth program.  The emphasis is on participation and developing a healthy lifestyle as opposed to being a competitive event. 

We are excited to be a catalyst for increasing awareness and providing funds to encourage youth fitness!  We hope you will join us in making the Coke 10k Get Fit Initiative a movement of positive change for our Mississippi children … please help us move them up the ranks.

 

Coke 10k Kids Get-Fit Initiative is a two part program providing matching grants for qualifying projects and providing classroom curriculum for selected grades in public elementary schools as outlined below.

Matching Grants

Youth physical fitness matching grants ranging from $200 - $500 will be awarded annually to qualifying school, church, and/or non-profit organizations.  The goal of applicant programs should be to have kids exercising regularly, at least once a week for multiple weeks, as opposed to participating in a single event.  However, the program may culminate in participation at an event.  Initially the grants will be open in Corinth and Alcorn County only.  Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis.  Visit us at www.coke10k.com for application dates, deadlines, and updates.

 

Classroom Curriculum

Coke 10k and Magnolia Regional Health Center Foundation are very pleased to offer a special physical fitness incentive for the elementary students of Corinth and Alcorn County!  The Coke 10k Kids Get-Fit Initiative will provide in-school administration and materials for a 10-week curriculum designed to meet the physical activity goals outlined by the USDA:

 

· Provide opportunities for students to develop the knowledge and skills for specific physical activities.

· Teach students the importance of energy balance through healthy eating and regular exercise.

· Ensure students’ regular participation in physical activity.

· Teach students the short- and long-term benefits of a physically active and healthful lifestyle.

 

A core objective of the program is to: develop character skills such as; encouraging your friends; keeping a positive attitude; setting and achieving goals; and understanding the importance of  a healthy lifestyle.