The GOAL Foundation, producers of the Ogden Marathon, created a virtual challenge to engage with their athletes and the community in the wake of having to cancel the 2020 Ogden Marathon. The challenge was to achieve a total of 20,000 miles as a group in the month of September. Participants could take part by running, walking, or cycling to achieve their mileage. Each participant was able to log in and record their miles for the month. The purpose of this challenge was to give the community a reason to “Get Out and Live” even without something to train for with the reward being that the GOAL Foundation would provide 500 pairs of shoes to area youth, families, and seniors if this challenge was met.
“Our running and cycling family took on this challenge and really came through,” said Eric Bauman, Executive Director of the GOAL Foundation, “The final total was 20,760.09 miles, with athletes’ ages 7 to 75, from nine states and two countries represented. It was a great way to bring our community together and encourage people to Get Out and Live.”
The GOAL Foundation has been positively impacting the lives of local elementary school-aged children through their Young Runners Program for over 10 years. The program provides running activities and games, with the goal being simple: To encourage kids to lead healthy and active lifestyles outdoors. They accomplish this through their partnership with the Boys and Girls Club afterschool programs. The program is funded by personal donations and proceeds from the Ogden Marathon.
The GOAL Foundation further expanded their reach this year by partnering with the Ogden Weber Community Action Project (OWCAP), Golden Hours Senior Center, YCC Family Crisis Center, Catholic Community Services (CCS), and the Lantern House to distribute the 500 pairs of shoes to children, families, and seniors in the community.
We are so proud of our community and are honored to be able to play a role in creating opportunities for people of all ages to Get Out and Live.
The Goal Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded shortly after the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. With the assistance of a myriad of local businesses and thousands of volunteers, the GOAL Foundation’s aim is to attract, organize, support and encourage premier athletic events that promote and active lifestyle. The Foundation produces a number of events including the Ogden Marathon, the Winter Race Circuit, as well as facilitates a Young Runners programs in 16 Ogden area afterschool programs and produces youth summer camps.
Vision Statement-We envision a Greater Ogden community that thrives economically and is healthier in mind, body and spirit.
Our mission is to inspire the Greater Ogden Community and its visitors to “Get Out and Live” by participating, volunteering and spectating at recreational events, programs and activities.
For additional information on the GOAL Foundation visit www.getoutandlive.org. Forore information on the latest Ogden Marathon news, and options for the Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 5K, KidsK, or how to get involved visit www.ogdenmarathon.com, call 801-399-1773 or email [email protected].
