Life Time Foundation's Impact at the Miami Marathon: Building a Healthier Future
As the vibrant streets of Miami welcome 18,500 runners from diverse corners of the globe for the Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon Weekend, the Life Time Foundation is stepping up with a mission far beyond the finish line. Their focus is on the youth, nutrition, and environmental sustainability in Miami. Through hands-on volunteer efforts and financial support, the Foundation is committed to creating lasting impact in the community.
The excitement is palpable in the air as thousands gather in Miami, but what truly matters is how this energy translates into ongoing benefits for the community. Sarah Emola, the Director of the Life Time Foundation, reflects on this sentiment, stating, "thousands of runners show up in Miami, the energy is electric—but what matters most is how that energy stays in the community long after race day." Their vision encompasses not just supporting kids in achieving their running goals but also restoring Miami's natural beauty and promoting healthy eating habits among the youth.
The weekend kicks off on January 24 with the Life Time Tropical 5K, where the Foundation will engage beyond running by collaborating with Clean Miami Beach for a cleanup at Nikki Beach. With the help of around 100 volunteers, they aim to protect local ecosystems from damaging waste, particularly single-use plastics, thereby preserving Miami's stunning coastline. This cleanup initiative is made possible through partnerships with the Bronco Wild Fund and local Ford dealers, with a portion of Bronco SUV sales supporting conservation efforts.
On January 25, the race day transforms into a momentous occasion for over 850 elementary and middle school students from Miami-Dade County. Many of them will complete the Final Mile of a 16-week marathon training program, culminating in their crossing the official Miami Marathon finish line while receiving medals and cheers from family and supporters. The Life Time Foundation plays a crucial role here, offering this program at no cost, thereby removing barriers for children and fostering self-confidence and resilience through physical activity.
Adding to the excitement, 36 Foundation Athletes will compete while raising funds for the Life Time Foundation. Each athlete is tasked with raising a minimum of $1,000 to support health initiatives for the youth. One particularly inspiring figure is Edlin Serrano, a physical education teacher in Miami-Dade Public Schools and a Kids Run Miami program leader. Serrano has set her sights on taking part in the Magic City Miles Challenge, gathering donations as she passes each runner in the race, all in the name of inspiring her students and community.
The Life Time Foundation isn’t just about weekend activities; they are committed to long-term change. They have allocated a significant $75,000 grant towards The Education Fund's Food Forests for Schools initiative, which helps create outdoor learning environments that enhance academic achievement and health while increasing the growth of trees that offer nutritious foods. With this grant, they have now contributed a total of $200,000 over the last three years to advance sustainability in Miami-Dade County.
Sarah Emola reiterates the core ethos behind their involvement: “At its best, sport has the power to bring people together and move communities forward.” She emphasizes the importance of neighbors supporting each other, children discovering their inner strength, and fostering a community united by the principles of health, hope, and possibility.
By joining forces to create a healthier future, the Life Time Foundation and the Miami Marathon are not just engaging participants for a day; they are inspiring a movement toward healthier lifestyles that extend beyond the race. Their initiatives highlight the intersection of community service, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment, ensuring that their positive influence lasts long after the last runner crosses the finish line.
To know more about their initiatives and how you can contribute to their mission, visit www.ltfoundation.org. The Life Time Marathon is part of Life Time's extensive portfolio of premier athletic events, enhancing healthy lifestyle choices across various communities.
The excitement is palpable in the air as thousands gather in Miami, but what truly matters is how this energy translates into ongoing benefits for the community. Sarah Emola, the Director of the Life Time Foundation, reflects on this sentiment, stating, "thousands of runners show up in Miami, the energy is electric—but what matters most is how that energy stays in the community long after race day." Their vision encompasses not just supporting kids in achieving their running goals but also restoring Miami's natural beauty and promoting healthy eating habits among the youth.
Marathon Weekend Highlights
The weekend kicks off on January 24 with the Life Time Tropical 5K, where the Foundation will engage beyond running by collaborating with Clean Miami Beach for a cleanup at Nikki Beach. With the help of around 100 volunteers, they aim to protect local ecosystems from damaging waste, particularly single-use plastics, thereby preserving Miami's stunning coastline. This cleanup initiative is made possible through partnerships with the Bronco Wild Fund and local Ford dealers, with a portion of Bronco SUV sales supporting conservation efforts.
On January 25, the race day transforms into a momentous occasion for over 850 elementary and middle school students from Miami-Dade County. Many of them will complete the Final Mile of a 16-week marathon training program, culminating in their crossing the official Miami Marathon finish line while receiving medals and cheers from family and supporters. The Life Time Foundation plays a crucial role here, offering this program at no cost, thereby removing barriers for children and fostering self-confidence and resilience through physical activity.
Adding to the excitement, 36 Foundation Athletes will compete while raising funds for the Life Time Foundation. Each athlete is tasked with raising a minimum of $1,000 to support health initiatives for the youth. One particularly inspiring figure is Edlin Serrano, a physical education teacher in Miami-Dade Public Schools and a Kids Run Miami program leader. Serrano has set her sights on taking part in the Magic City Miles Challenge, gathering donations as she passes each runner in the race, all in the name of inspiring her students and community.
Long-Term Commitment for a Healthier Future
The Life Time Foundation isn’t just about weekend activities; they are committed to long-term change. They have allocated a significant $75,000 grant towards The Education Fund's Food Forests for Schools initiative, which helps create outdoor learning environments that enhance academic achievement and health while increasing the growth of trees that offer nutritious foods. With this grant, they have now contributed a total of $200,000 over the last three years to advance sustainability in Miami-Dade County.
Sarah Emola reiterates the core ethos behind their involvement: “At its best, sport has the power to bring people together and move communities forward.” She emphasizes the importance of neighbors supporting each other, children discovering their inner strength, and fostering a community united by the principles of health, hope, and possibility.
By joining forces to create a healthier future, the Life Time Foundation and the Miami Marathon are not just engaging participants for a day; they are inspiring a movement toward healthier lifestyles that extend beyond the race. Their initiatives highlight the intersection of community service, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment, ensuring that their positive influence lasts long after the last runner crosses the finish line.
To know more about their initiatives and how you can contribute to their mission, visit www.ltfoundation.org. The Life Time Marathon is part of Life Time's extensive portfolio of premier athletic events, enhancing healthy lifestyle choices across various communities.
Topics Sports）
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