Empowering teens to discover their strength, confidence, and limitless potential.

Founded in 2011, Marathon High is a regional nonprofit that empowers high school students to train for and complete a 13.1-mile half marathon—building not just endurance, but a strong foundation for a positive future. Over the course of four months, students meet after school each week, developing not only athletic skills but also social skills, self-respect, courage, confidence, and healthy lifestyle habits that will serve them for life.

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Marathon High is free for students and schools, welcoming teens of all backgrounds and abilities in grades 9–12. Our program is non-competitive—speed doesn’t matter—so we connect with students who may not see themselves as athletes or be involved in traditional sports. Through running, they discover that with hard work, commitment, and support, anything is possible.

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But Marathon High is about more than miles. We teach the value of teamwork, leadership, and giving back to others. Students support their teammates, their coaches, and their community—learning that building a stronger next generation starts with building meaningful connections.

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And it’s working! To date, more than 2,600 Northeast Florida teens have crossed the finish line of a half marathon through Marathon High—and for each of them, that finish line was only the beginning of what they will accomplish in life.

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