After 11 months of training, the participants of the Students In The Running program will be at the starting line at the next Montreal Oasis Marathon on September 23rd, 2012 Français
MONTREAL, Sept. 18, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - In October of 2011, a group of approximately 20 young students from at-risk environments in Montreal joined the Students In The Running Program and are now training for the Montreal Oasis Marathon taking place on September 23, 2012.
Students in the Running is a program that is in its third year and aims to promote physical activity, healthy eating and discipline, while reinforcing self esteem and inspiring students to set objectives and reach them. "The goal of the program is to encourage the students to have a healthy lifestyle, better school performance and greater social integration. With the mentors' supervision and frequent training, they can realize that with great determination, challenges that may initially seem impossible can be achieved. Young people sometimes underestimate their abilities and running a marathon just proves them wrong", says Éric Leclerc, spokesperson of the program. Moreover, to support them in their future development, graduates of the Students In the Running Program will receive an academic bursary to enable them to either continue their studies or a technical training program.
Thanks to the invaluable support and advice of their mentors, the students have followed a training program adapted to their abilities. They've benefited from the care of a trainer, a nutritionist and a team of health professionals. Many other partners and sponsors are associated with this project and have allowed the students to have the experience of a lifetime.
During the past few months the students have participated in other runs, most notably the Lac Brome Merrell circuit, and most recently the Mont-Tremblant Half-Marathon, in order to evaluate their training level and to better understand how to pace themselves over longer periods. These runs have stirred some powerful emotions and strengthened their ties with their mentors.
With only a few days left to go before the big challenge, the students are winding up their physical training and their mental preparation. The marathon is a challenge that demands respect while creating some anxiety. However, once they've left the starting line, the students will be undertaking the 42.2 km course through the streets of Montreal with confidence and a new found perseverance and determination that they will take with them throughout their lives. You will be able to recognize them and their mentors by their red jersies, branded to the colors of the program.
SOURCE: Students in The Running
Éric Leclerc
438 870-8141
[email protected]
Web site for Students In the Running: www.etudiantsdanslacourse.org
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