The seventh cohort of students enrolled in the Students in the running program and their mentors will proudly take part in the Marathon after nearly a year of intensive training
MONTREAL, Sept. 22, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - This Sunday, a group of 20 students from at-risk environments in the boroughs of Côte-des-Neiges, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Montréal-Nord and St-Henri, as well as from the Centre jeunesse de Montréal, will proudly gather at the start line of the Rock 'N' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon with their mentors and trainers from the Students in the running program. This year, the 137th marathon runner since the program's inception should cross the finish line.
The youth enrolled in the Students in the running program are aged 15-to-18-year-old and attend a Montreal high school. On Sunday, nearly a year of hard work will come to an end, as they will run their first marathon. The 2015-2016 cohort trained 168 times and ran more than a thousand kilometers for a total of 135 hours during their over ten months of preparation.
Through a gradual but rigorous training program, with the support of inspiring mentors and the motivating dynamics of their group, these young women and men learned the value of physical activity, a healthy diet, and discipline and how these can translate into greater self-esteem and the willingness to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
"These young people have come a long way, and not just on the running track. This marathon is the culmination of nearly a year of sustained effort, discipline and determination", said Éric Leclerc, spokesperson for Students in the running. "Although this 42.2 km run is the ultimate goal, the path to get there is even more important as it is the proof that with a lot of determination, it is possible to meet challenges that may initially seem unrealistic", added Mr. Leclerc.
In order to motivate and support them in their future development, Students in the running will award a scholarship to each student who successfully completes the program. The scholarships will be awarded at a gala event which will be held in Montreal later this Fall.
About Students in the running (Étudiants dans la course)
The Students in the running program is dedicated to students from disadvantaged communities in Montreal to help them achieve their goal of crossing the finish line at the Rock 'N' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon. This program aims to promote physical activity, a healthy diet, and discipline to encourage vulnerable youths to excel and improve their self-esteem. Supported by volunteer mentors and trainers, the selected students undergo nearly a year of rigorous training in preparation of their ultimate goal: the Rock 'N' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon.
Generous sponsors and partners provide critical support by financing activities related to the program, including equipment, student-support initiatives and other specialized resources. These important partners namely include Asics, Blakes, Boutique Courir, Deloitte, Dentons, Club d'athlétisme Les Vainqueurs, Info-Crime, Provigo and Maxi, as well as the City of Montréal. For more details, please visit www.etudiantsdanslacourse.org.
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SOURCE Students in the running
Image with caption: "20 students will meet the challenge of a lifetime this Sunday at the Oasis Montreal Marathon (CNW Group/Students in the running)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160922_C2513_PHOTO_EN_779286.jpg
To request an interview with the students or their mentors, media representatives may contact: Éric Leclerc, Students in the running, 514-273-4869, [email protected], www.etudiantsdanslacourse.org
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