More than a thousand students – ranging from kindergarteners to eighth graders and every grade in between, will run the final mile of the Santa Clarita Marathon Sunday morning to complete their “Final Mile Challenge.”

The program gives students the chance to run a full marathon over the course of two months, rather than just one day.  In September, students received a running log to track their miles of exercise at home with parents or at school with teachers.

Those students who have completed 25 miles on their own come to the head of the South Fork Trail (near the Pavilions Market on McBean Parkway) and join the pack of runners to run the last mile of the marathon and cross the official Marathon finish line with a full 26.2 miles complete.  Each school group will join the runners in 15-minute increments, starting at 11 a.m.

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School principals, teachers, administrators, and parents will be along the final mile and waiting at the finish line where they will be presented with finisher medals.

The Final Mile Challenge promotes healthy lifestyles and active living for youth in Santa Clarita.  As childhood obesity rates continue to climb, city officials are dedicated to doing everything possible to fight the epidemic.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 14.9 percent of children in Santa Clarita are obese, compared to 23 percent of children countywide.  The City of Santa Clarita strives to build a healthy community by providing recreational activities for youth, and inspiring residents of all ages to get out and get active as part of its “Healthy Santa Clarita” program.