This story was originally published in the 100 Million Healthier Lives Change Library and is brought to you through partnership with 100 Million Healthier Lives and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

"Slowly but surely, we're beginning to turn the tide on childhood obesity in America. Together, we are inspiring leaders from every sector to take ownership of this issue." — Michelle Obama

Childhood obesity is a major problem facing much of the United States, and Colorado is no exception. In Weld County, 29% of children are overweight or obese. To combat this problem, it is recommended that children get 60 minutes of physical activity every day. However, only 44% of children in Weld County are getting the recommended physical activity (Colorado Child Health Survey, 2013). 

In Fall of 2016, the North Colorado Health Alliance, in partnership with the University of Northern Colorado's Department of Sports and Exercise Science, launched a before school running club, called Mileage Clubs, at 3 Greeley-Evans School District 6 schools. 

Goal: Increase the number of children and adults who are physically active in Weld County.  

Benefits of Mileage Club:

• Helps kids focus
  
• Improves overall academic performance
  
• Develops a healthy activity routine
  
• Reduces the amount of screen time 
  
• Helps maintain a healthy body weight
  

The Mileage Club provides a safe place for kids to have fun with their friends, improve their physical health and school performance, and win prizes at the same time! 

"Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn." — O. Fred Donaldson

Mileage Club Participation was Strong at all 3 Schools!

Over a 3 month period, 422 students, parents, and teachers came together to walk, run, and skip almost 2,200 miles! That is the same distance from Los Angeles to Toronto, Canada!

As students reached certain distance goals, they received a variety of prizes including water bottles, bags, and sports balls. Their ultimate goal was to reach 26.2 miles, the standard distance for a marathon. Sixteen kids were able to reach this goal and received the ultimate prize -- a marathon t-shirt!

Mileage Club Builds Community and Strengthens Families 

 "Believe you can and you're halfway there" — Theodore Roosevelt

One of the best things about the Mileage Club is that everyone is welcome! Family members of all ages join the students every morning to walk and run with them. Mileage Club provides a time for families to come together and have fun. Family time is great for children and parents and helps build strong and loving families. Every minute of family time can have a huge impact and NCHA is proud to help strengthen families and the Greeley-Evans community! To find out more about other NCHA programs visit our home page!