Chicago West Side Christian School hosts 3K run for 6 to 8 grade students in North and South Lawndale to combat childhood obesity.

Chicago West Side Christian School, 1240 South Pulaski Rd., is hosting a 3K (1.86 mi.) run in scenic Douglas Park on April 23, 2010 for middle school students in North and South Lawndale.

Awards will be given to the top 3 runners according to grade, as well as the top 3 runners overall. All participants will receive a free T-shirt and complimentary food and drinks.

The run is an attempt to raise awareness of and combat childhood obesity, which has reached high levels in both communities and is a leading contributor to Type 2 diabetes.

“We want to play a role in fighting type 2 diabetes and improving the neighborhood,” said Karen Trout, science teacher at Chicago West Side Christian School and coordinator of the 3K. “With Michelle Obama’s recent announcement of her anti-childhood obesity campaign we feel it is the perfect time to have this event.”

Recent government data shows that 20 percent of black and Hispanic children ages 2 to 19 are obese, versus 15 percent of whites.

The statistics are bleaker in majority black North Lawndale, where the SINAI Urban Health Institute reports that 46.4 percent of children ages 2 to 12 are obese. Thirty-four percent of children in majority Mexican-American South Lawndale are obese.

“Healthy living can add years to a child’s life,” Trout said. “Every time these kids put on their 3K T-shirt we want it to be a reminder of healthy living.”

The 3K will be funded by a $5,500 grant from Youth Service America and a $3,500 grant from United Healthcare. Lawndale Christian Fitness Center, which will be advising the event, has developed an adolescent-friendly 6-week training plan to help participating students prepare.

Several local schools and youth organizations will participate:

Chicago West Side Christian School
1240 South Pulaski
http://cwscs.org

Catalyst Charter School
1616 South Spaulding Avenue
http://www.catalystschools.org/

Henson Elementary School
1326 South Avers Avenue

Lazaro Cardenas Elementary
2345 South Millard Avenue
http://www.cardenas.cps.k12.il.us/

Young Men’s Educational Network
1241 South Pulaski Road
http://ymenchicago.com/

Lawndale Christian Fitness Center (advisory role, sponsor)
3860 West Ogden Avenue
http://www.lawndale.org/services_fitness.html

Holy Family Lutheran School
3415 West Arthington Street
http://www.holyfamilyministries.org/school.php

Focus Youth Chicago
1851 South Harding Avenue
http://focusyouthchicago.org/index.php

For questions or participation interest please contact Karen Trout, ymen@msn.com, 773-852-9810.