1. Run Around Town
Hillary DeLong – Fall 2011

2. Why We Run Low barrier of entry Transferable skill-set
No expensive equipment required;
Can be done anywhere;
Solo or group activity;
Set own pace.
Transferable skill-set
Physical skills transfer to other athletic endeavors;
Mental skills transfer to academic, social, and athletic settings.

3. 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.

4. Running Low
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.

5. 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.

6. 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
Weeks 1-4: All About Me...Getting to Know Who I am and What I Stand For!
Weeks 5-8: Building My Team...Understanding the Importance of Cooperation
Weeks 9-12: Community Begins with Me...Learning About Community and Designing Our Own Community Project

7. Janay, 9yo
I have learned that exercising is really not too bad and it is really goo for the body. I have learned to like nutritious snacks and group activities.
Mindy, 11yo

8. 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

9. “For me, I like having Chicago Run in school
“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

10. Running Tally
Programs include educational, motivational, and physical skill development.
Programs promote teamwork and camaraderie among students of different backgrounds/schools.

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

12. Resolution
WHEREAS, Recent studies have shown that obesity rates in Chicago
children are 1.5 times higher than the national average; and
WHEREAS, 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.

13. 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

14. Current Community Partners
Humana, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield

15. 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

16. 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

17. Potential Community Proponent
Brittney Payton

18. Resources Girls on the Run Chicago: www.GOTRChicago.org
Girls on the Run:
City of Chicago:
Chicago Run:
Chicago Public Schools:
“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,