In an effort to help children and their families lead healthier and more active lives, Fit Kids of Arizona, Team USA Arizona and Kids on the Run, are sponsoring the Run for Good program in local public schools. Through a $10,000 grant from the Saucony National Run for Good Foundation, Fit Kids, Team USA Arizona and Kids on the Run have initiated the eight-week Run for Good program to help kids become and stay active after school.

Run for Good allows students to work with Team USA Arizona’s elite runners and assistant coach Trina Painter, founder of Kids on the Run, for one hour each week. The athletes coach the kids on running techniques, form and endurance, and encourage them to lead a fun and a healthy lifestyle. Recently, close to 50 students graduated from the first Run for Good program at Cottonwood Elementary School.

Beginning March 21, the eight-week program will start at Cottonwood Middle School. Additionally, the Run for Good program starts in Flagstaff later in March.

Team USA Arizona’s mission is to help post-collegiate distance runners who live and train in Northern Arizona achieve their Olympic dreams. Team USA Arizona’s 2011 community outreach focuses on reducing childhood obesity in Northern Arizona, promoting a strong partnership with Fit Kids of Arizona. Kids on the Run is an after-school running program that promotes active and healthy lifestyles for elementary and middle school students.

Fit Kids of Arizona is a regional community health initiative developed by Northern Arizona Healthcare, with programs at Verde Valley Medical Center and Flagstaff Medical Center addressing one of the largest healthcare concerns facing the U.S. – childhood obesity. The clinical programs at each location assist children and their families in learning about healthy lifestyle choices while reducing the problems and illnesses associated with excess weight. The Fit Kids team also focuses on taking a preventive community approach to help families live healthier lives.

For more information on the Fit Kids of Arizona program, call 928 639-6343 or visit NAHealth.com/OurServices/FitKidsofArizona. To learn more about Team USA Arizona, visit teamusaarizona.org or call 928 606-4646. To learn more about Kids on the Run, contact Trina Painter at 928 853-8171 or by e-mail at trinap1@msn.com.