Youth-focused running platform to engage and support local at-risk kids
Denver, CO – The 18th Denver Colfax Marathon, presented by Cigna Healthcare, is thrilled to introduce a new youth-focused element to its race weekend in May. In its inaugural year, the “Colfax FLY Feet” program, is a platform for at-risk Colorado kids to participate in Denver’s largest running weekend of the year.
“Colfax FLY Feet is the heart of who we are,” said Andrea Dowdy, CEO of the Denver Colfax Marathon. “This program will open the doors of running for kids across Colorado and encourage a sense of community within them. We are excited to share our love of running and the race weekend with kids who might not otherwise have this opportunity.”
The new program allows at-risk youth, who receive free or reduced lunch, as well as kids with a physical, mental disability or chronic illness, to run in the Colfax Marathon 5K. The marathon will provide free entries to youth groups and chaperones interested in participating.
“Running is a lifelong activity,” said Patrick Rizzo, Denver Colfax Marathon board member and ambassador. “We hope this free introduction to a healthy event and lifestyle acts as a
launching pad for kids and their families to learn great life lessons that will serve them far into their future, like goal setting and perseverance.”
Rizzo, a 4-time Olympic Trials participant and former Denver Colfax Marathon winner, will be running the half marathon in May’s race weekend to raise money for the new program. He will start in the back of the half marathon corral, and the marathon will donate a dollar for every runner he passes. These funds, which will be upwards of five thousand dollars, will go directly into the Colfax FLY Feet program, to continue inspiring youth in every marathon race weekend moving forward.
Cigna Healthcare, the marathon’s title sponsor, will sponsor the new Colfax FLY Feet program. Cigna’s mission is to focus on the health and vitality of all Coloradoans, and this new program encourages kids to create a healthy future.
“We are committed to supporting active lifestyles for people from a variety of backgrounds – and this program is a great way to ensure we are including youth who can greatly benefit from this experience,” said Brett Winingham, market growth leader for Cigna Healthcare Mountain States. “I can’t wait to see what these kids do race weekend!”
Registration for the 2024 Colfax FLY Feet program is ongoing through race week. To learn more about having your charity, youth group or school receive youth entries, please email charitypartner@runcolfax.org.
The Denver Colfax Marathon weekend will take place May 17-19, 2024. The marathon expects close to 50,000 guests in Denver’s City Park for its May running event. You can register for a race at www.runcolfax.org.
