Geist Half Marathon, Inc. (www.GeistHalf.com) officials announced today that $34,000 has been donated to four Geist-area schools to fund various health and wellness initiatives. Lawrence Township School Foundation and the Hamilton Southeastern School Foundation received $15,000 each in late September, and most recently, the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation received $3,000 and St. Simon the Apostle School received $1,000 from proceeds of the 2009 St. Vincent Geist Half Marathon & 5K held on May 17, 2009.
Heather Whitaker, Assistant Principal at Mt. Vernon Intermediate School, plans on using the $3,000 from the Geist Half Marathon to purchase rewards and incentives for students that reach certain milestones. Students are encouraged to walk during free time, after lunch, and through an after school program.
“We started the Mt. Vernon Marauder Mile Club to increase the fitness level of our children,” said Whitaker. “We’ve used the Geist Half Marathon & 5K the last two years as our final activity for the school year and we’ve had a wonderful turn out from both students and parents.”
At St. Simon the Apostle School, Assistant Principal Laura Mates worked with parent volunteers to organize a Mileage Club where students voluntarily walk at recess and track their miles. Out of the 700 students enrolled, St. Simon enlisted over 100 runners and walkers for the 2009 St.Vincent Geist Half Marathon & 5K. Mates says the $1,000 contribution from the Geist Half Marathon Inc. will go a long ways towards expanding their program.
“With this financial support, we will be able to purchase pedometers and provide more family-based fitness activities,” she said.
About the Geist Half Marathon, Inc.
The Geist Half Marathon Inc. is an Indiana non-profit corporation 501c3 organized to inspire health and wellness in the children surrounding Geist Reservoir in Indianapolis, Indiana. Working closely with the greater Geist community, the Geist Half Marathon raises funds to benefit physical fitness programs being jointly implemented within the schools. Last year’s “Race Around the Reservoir” was sold out with over 6,000 runners and walkers. To register for the 2010 race on May 22nd, visit www.GeistHalf.com.
