ING Run for Something Better

JUNE 10, 2008

Thanks to your help, kids nationwide are now more than a million miles stronger!

On May 15, more than 1,500 kids crossed the finish line of the ING Run For Something Better® culminating run in Golden Gate Park. This event marked the end of the 12-week ING Run For Something Better® program. Participation in this year’s event was double that of last year, and San Francisco kids also helped bring about an IRFSB “mile”-stone — by pushing IRFSB over the million-mile mark. That means that kids all over the country are now a million miles closer to happier, healthier, more active lifestyles. In the 10 participating schools that completed the program across the city, running became a daily task leading up to the May 15 event. Each child logged a total of 156 miles.

The San Francisco 49ers’ Manny Lawson hung up his shoulder pads and tied his orange laces to participate in this year’s ING Run For Something Better®, serving as the IRFSB spokesperson. “By supporting the ING Run For Something Better® program, I hope to encourage thousands of children in the Bay Area to embrace physical activity and work towards setting their own personal fitness goals.”

Besides increasing youth fitness, the IRFSB program helps teach kids about setting and obtaining goals. Many didn’t think they could complete the running program — and they were pleasantly surprised when they met the goal of completing a 2.48-mile course. "I felt ready for this event. We have been working really hard to get here,” said Henry Goldman from Claire Lilienthaal Middle school.

School officials throughout the city expressed their appreciation for ING’s RFSB sponsorship. “ING approached us about this great program,” said Michelle Zapata, the Physical Education Specialist from the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). “They were willing to accommodate the needs of the school district and they put on the event with no strings attached — that is really unusual for a corporation.”

“We are so grateful to ING,” said Trish Bascom, Associate Superintendent of San Francisco Unified School District. “This program has doubled in numbers from last year, and we intend to double next year as well. We have also seen an increase in the cardiovascular scores from our seventh graders over the past years, and we attribute that to this program.”