Sponsored by Students Off And Running (SOAR), a division of the Santa Clarita Track Club, this program dedicates itself to offering Santa Clarita Valley youth the opportunity to participate in fully-supported marathon training while building life skills and establishing healthy relationships with peers and adults in a non-competitive arena.

Team co-founder and head coach Kevin Sarkissian offered some insight into the group's intent: "Less than one percent of Americans ever complete a full marathon. SOAR is not about recruiting seasoned high school athletes, we're looking for kids with heart, kids that are willing to commit to a truly life-changing experience," he said.

Given that this is the program's first year of operation, the results, to say the least, have been impressive. Parents and teachers report better focus in school, increased positive social interaction, and dramatic improvement in overall physical health.

As it turned out, the entire marathon team finished the Los Angeles Marathon. "It was an emotional day...." Sarkissian said.

For more information contact the Santa Clarita Track Club at (661) 755-6197 or visit www.sctc-storm.org/SOAR.