What is Macaroni Marathon?
Kids are spending way too much time inside, and even parents are making excuses about not having time to be active. Our goal with Macaroni Marathon is to challenge families to take the streets, the trails, and the tracks to complete the distance of a marathon in a 8-week period.
We’ll gather at the beginning of our challenge for a kickoff where we’ll run, walk, jog (or crawl) the first mile together. It will then be up to participating families to fuel one another to achieve the total distance of 26.2 miles. You can do this one kilometer at a time, one mile at a time, or any distance of your choosing. By the end of the two-month period, we’ll have a celebratory party for all those that completed the challenge. This event is FREE in which to participate. We want as many people moving as possible!
Sign Me Up!
Ready to join the challenge? Please fill out this form to let me know!
Then, join our Facebook Group and share photos, tips, encouragement, or get refueled from other participating families.
Where do You Start?
Join us on June 3rd where we'll kick off the challenge with our first mile. (Time and location will be shared soon!) Then, it's up to you on how to break it up. You will have 56 days to get it done. Following are just a few ideas of how you can complete the challenge.
- 1 kilometer (0.62 of a mile) per day for 42 days
- 5K (3.1 miles) per week
- 1 mile 3 days a week
- ...or switch it up based on your schedule!
This challenge is completely flexible and is up to you how you want to make it work. What makes it perfect for the summer is you can do it anywhere! Knock out some of your distance on a hike around the lake or down the beach, or find a running trail or even neighborhood street. Just grab your family, track the miles, and watch the distance add up!
Resources
I'll be adding more and more resources for you leading up to and throughout the event, so check back here for tools to make you successful. The first on the list, though, is the tracking sheet. Print it out, put it on your refrigerator (or somewhere where everyone can see it regularly) and start tracking your miles!
Tracking Sheet
Print this out to keep track of your miles with this tracking sheet!
Local Races
Getting the family together to run or walk a local race is not only a great way to tackle the miles, but also usually contributes to a great cause. Here's a list of some upcoming races. I'll add more as I uncover them!
Local Trails
- Big Creek Greenway - Featuring miles of paved trails through the trees. This is a great, shady place to head when the days are hot and you want a very family-friendly trail!
- Wills Park - Approximately 1.8-mile paved path through the park and by the equestrian center.
- Webb Bridge Park - Approximately 1.7-mile path made from crushed limestone. This is a great shady trail!
- North Park - 1-mile out-and-back paved trail.
- Roswell Area Park
- Allenbrook Trail
- Willeo Trail
FREE Running/Walking Groups
- Big Peach Running Co. Alpharetta - Mondays & Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Looking for group runs? We’ve got ’em! And not only that, but when you run from BPRC, you’ll have access to changing rooms, bathrooms, water, and even a shower if you need to clean up for whatever comes next. We offer various distances, and welcome runnes and walkers of all paces and abilities. All locations are a short walk/drive away from various establishments to take care of your post-run hunger and thirst and keep the fun running a little longer. - LifeTime Run/Walk Club - Tuesdays at 6:00 PM & Saturdays at 8:00 AM
Lifetime Fitness Run Club, Alpharetta is designed for everyone - members & nonmembers alike! We welcome all ages (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult) and running abilities. We have group runs ranging from 2-5+ miles on Tuesday and 2-10miles + on Saturday. Both meet ups with varying paces. Multiple training sessions of various distances. We meet either in front of the building's main entrance or behind the Front Desk (all weather depending) at Life Time: 855 N. Point Parkway
We Love Our Sponsor!
Big Peach Running Co. on Windward in Alpharetta is partnering with us to help you through this challenge! They are the best place to go get running or walking shoes, and will make sure you are properly fitted. All of their employees are extremely knowledgable and will be a great resource for any questions you may have during and after this challenge! Plus, they offer group runs twice a week as well as clinics on proper running form. Click here to access their Alpharetta store's group run and clinic preview schedule.
About Big Peach Running Co.
Big Peach Running Co. is a locally owned and operated retailer serving the needs of metropolitan Atlanta’s ever-growing community of runners and walkers. It is for everyone interested in a pedestrian-active lifestyle. Learn more about them here.
Let's Get It Started!
My family and I will be doing this right along with you. I am so excited to work toward this goal with you! Please feel free to email me with any questions, thoughts or suggestions. This is our inaugural Macaroni Marathon and I hope to do this at least once a year, so let's learn as we go and make this a family event that we look forward year after year!
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