Dan Ryan Builders - News & Press

June 1, 2006 — Medbrook Children's Charity, Steptoe and Johnson and Dan Ryan Builders Team Up As Investors for Greater Clarksburg 10K's Kids Challenge

"This is going to be the first generation with a lower life expectancy than their parents."

With that statement appearing in several recent news articles, the Greater Clarksburg 10K Planning Team felt compelled to act. For the past several years, the GC10K has had a companion event geared towards children in the Kids K. This year had to be different!

Dr. Kelly Nelson of Medbrook Children's Charity, Bob Steptoe of Steptoe & Johnson, and Chris Rusch of Dan Ryan Builders offered their support of an event targeting every elementary school-age child in Harrison County. With full cooperation of Harrison County Schools, principals and physical education teachers, the Kids K Challenge was born.

Pictured: (Front Row) Janit Satterfield, Co-Chair Steptoe & Johnson Wellness Committee; Julie Knapp, Member Steptoe & Johnson Wellness Committee. (Back Row) Chris Rusch, Dan Ryan Builders; Michael Cheshire, Co-Chair Steptoe & Johnson Wellness Committee; Dr. Kelly Nelson, Medbrook Children's Charity; Larry Mazza, CEO, MVB Bank & GC10K Race Chairman

The program began in the schools just after spring break and consists of 1 mile or 30 minutes of walking/running, 3 days per week for 10 weeks. The culminating event will be the Kids K Challenge on June 17 at 10:00 AM just after the running of the Greater Clarksburg 10K. Rewards are given at each 3 mile or 90 minute mark tracked by Physical Education or other designated teachers in the schools. The incentives are targeted at healthy activities also, and include a treat from McDonald's, Miniature golf at Clarksburg VA or Norwood City Parks; Pool pass to Clarksburg VA City Park; Valley Worlds of Fun pass; and a t-shirt; certificate and ribbon given on race day, June 17.

To further assist schools in offering physical fitness programs, a $125 cash grant to be used for Physical Education is also being given to each participating school. This grant is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Medbrook Children's Charity, Steptoe & Johnson, and Dan Ryan Builders. The top 3 schools based on participation per capita will have the opportunity to host Ronald McDonald's Go Active program for their students. On June 10 New Pointe McDonald's will host a Warm-Up Party at 1:00 PM featuring the McDonald's Activity Center with Ronald McDonald.

In total, the Kids K Challenge Program will impact 6100 Harrison County students. Schools distributed information to parents not only on the student program, but also encouraging parents to partner with their child by participating in the 10 Week to 10K Training Program, and possibly running the 10K race or 2 Miler on June 17.

Other objectives set by the sponsors and planning committee were to support physical as well as cognitive growth and improvement for the children in our community as well as to build social skills and encourage team building as a participant in this community event.

The Greater Clarksburg 10K will be held in downtown Clarksburg on June 17 beginning at 8:30 AM. The 2 Mile Run/Walk begins at 10:00 AM with the Kids K starting at 10:30 AM. Registration can be completed online at www.active.com or on Friday, June 16 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Fairmont State Caperton Center on Main Street in Clarksburg, or on race day from 6:30 to 7:45 AM for the 10K and up until 9:45 for the Kids K and 2 Mile Walk/Run also at the Caperton Center.

Post Race Activities planned include:

Healthy Mind & Healthy Body presentation by Brittani Mills, currently a Marshall University fitness major and 2006 Ms. Three Rivers.
The BMX Stunt Team demonstrations and safety clinic
Kids Play Area including bounce house, bungee fun, climbing wall, giant slide and a novelties tent.
Music DJ - John Paul Nardelli
Bike safety demonstration
Fire safety demonstration
Registration for kids in to the FBI child safety program
Healthy style food and fun for all