Kilometer Kids Participants Receive Mizuno Shoes, Race Entries through The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

IMG_3355ATLANTA – October 7, 2016 – Participants of Atlanta Track Club’s Kilometer Kids programs are usually excited to run and catch up with friends at practice. This month Kilometer Kids at two schools are even more energized as they will receive free Mizuno shoes and entry to either the Thanksgiving Day 5K or One Mile thanks to scholarships from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.This week participants of the Kilometer Kids program at International Community School in Decatur were fitted for shoes by Mizuno. The children showed up, ran laps around their dirt track and then lined up to try on the shoes.“They’re cool and they feel cool,” exclaimed six-year-old Cayden. Other kids asked whether getting a new pair of shoes would make them faster.At least 250 scholarships each fall and spring Kilometer Kids program through 2019 will be provided by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation on behalf of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. Each season scholarships will be awarded to select Title 1 schools with active Kilometer Kids programs. The Kilometer Kids of the International Community School and Huntley Hills Elementary School in Chamblee are the recipients of this fall’s scholarships.“Through the generosity of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Kilometer Kids participants will be able to experience the quality footwear our partners at Mizuno provide,” said Joshua Deaton, Atlanta Track Club’s manager of youth running. “We are excited to give our participants more opportunities to be active as well as celebrate their season with events such as the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon & 5K events.”Race day can’t come soon enough for Cayden. When asked why he runs, he replied, “So I can get the medal!”About Atlanta Track ClubAtlanta Track Club is a nonprofit committed to creating an active and healthy Atlanta. Through running and walking, Atlanta Track Club motivates, inspires and engages the community to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. With more than 26,000 members, Atlanta Track Club is the second largest running organization in the United States. In addition to the AJC Peachtree Road Race (peachtreeroadrace.org) – the largest 10K running event in the world, the Publix Georgia Marathon, PNC Atlanta 10 Miler and Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, Atlanta Track Club directs more than 30 events per year. Through the support of its members and volunteers, Atlanta Track Club also maintains a number of community initiatives including organizing and promoting the Kilometer Kids youth running program to metro Atlanta youth, honoring high school cross country and track and field athletes through Atlanta Track Club’s All-Metro Banquets and supporting the Grady Bicycle EMT program. For more information on Atlanta Track Club, visit atlantatrackclub.org.