Testimonials

"I would like to share a healthy story about “GO FAR”, a program that was introduced to our school in 2009. At this time I was seriously considering getting my body in shape for health reasons. I was borderline diabetic and had high blood pressure. The gym was my first stop. I was frustrated and not getting where I wanted quick enough. 
Samantha Brown, Administrator for the After School Program in Dare County, came to our school with “GO FAR” and explained the program to staff and children. GO FAR is a fitness program that encourages children and adults to have fun with physical activity, healthy eating, and to set goals and build better character. 
Teaching the program set the stage for me to succeed in my personal life and help many children achieve and build self-esteem. They all had fun including me. 
I realized within a few months I lost a little over twenty pounds, toned muscles, ate much healthier and had loads of energy! My borderline diabetes had disappeared and my blood pressure was normal! 
A year later, I still live the “GO FAR" way. I am eager to share the program again this year with everyone. GO FAR truly turned my health and life around."

Shelawn Burton-Gibbs, Coordinator of Manteo Elementary 
School’s After School Enrichment Program

Chris Dunst on why he chose to raise money for GO FAR. "I chose GO FAR because I've seen how kids react when crossing the finish line at GO FAR races. I've heard the kids talk about how awesome it was to train, how much they learned, and how they can't wait to do it again. Above all, GO FAR cares about the kids that go through their program, and I'd love to keep that program going".

Chris Dunst, Barefoot Runner

Good afternoon!! I would just like to say a huge Thank you to your organization for the work you do to help our children LOVE to exercise and eat right! My daughter, Anna-Grace, ran her first 5K on Saturday in High Point. She was so proud of herself and her accomplishment!!

Tanya L. Tennant, mom from Wallburg Elementary

GO FAR has empowered the students and teachers with a sense of accomplishment and self confidence beyond measure. This is amazing - 1/3 of my entire school is participating in GO FAR

M. Bode, PE Instructor

"My daughter, who has made it her mission to get out of PE whenever possible since kindergarten, signed up for the program at Southwest Elementary this year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was more than a little surprised when she asked me to sign the permission form to participate, and figured she might drop out about midway. Her farther and I couldn't have been more proud of her when she finished the race on Saturday. Academics have always come very easy for her, but physical education and sports are more intimidating and something she tends to avoid if given a choice. Finishing the 5K has boosted her confidence tremendously and she's eager to do it again--I am beyond thrilled to see that glimmer of resilience and perseverance in her."

Yvonne (Mom from SWE)

My experience with my 3 girls and GO FAR has been phenomenal to me. My oldest who is 12 ran in the first race Erwin participated in when she was in 5th grade. My 2nd grader that year also ran. Together we trained, walking, running and learning about perseverance, diligence and the benefit to simply completing something you start.(We have never had the fastest times!) This fall will be the 6th race that we have run and my 1st grader has also been training with us. It has blown me away to have her run 14minutes, walk 2, without stopping. I have told many a parent that even if my kids didn't actually want to run, or train, I would have them out here, twice a week, with the program. The benefit to the kids being outside, even if they don't run and simply walk the track is immeasurable. Outside time on the track walking is still better than inside in front of a TV or computer. Working with our Coach, other teachers and the many parents has been such a positive experience for all involved.

This program has been a great addition to our school and I have happily donated snacks and time to the effort. All of our children benefit.

Liz Ballard, Erwin Montessori parent

I really did not know what to expect when I started training (with GO FAR). My first experience can only be described as “EXHILARATING”. While crossing the finish line was an unbelievable experience, there was so much more that led up to that.

My daughter and I participated together and it was wonderful. While much of the time, she was running or walking with friends, it was truly delightful to see so many families and extended families taking advantage of the opportunity.

As principal of Erwin Montessori, when I first started participating, I received lots of comments from the children such as, “I can’t believe Dr. Parker is running with us” or “What are you doing out here?” I think it is great for children to see school leaders and teachers making outdoor healthy fun a priority. In addition to the actual running, I think the warm up activities are excellent. While sometimes my schedule did not allow me to participate in the warm up, the exercises are invigorating, led by students and served to get everyone in the right frame of mind.

Children are required to keep a log of the distance they ran and a written reflection on how they performed that day. This written documentation is an excellent way to incorporate math and writing skills.

Lastly, the snacks are healthy and the children are required to bring water to drink which will build life-long good eating habits.

I consider myself blessed to be principal of a school where there is a focus on healthy living habits such as physical exercise. I don’t think there has ever been any focus on “winning”, but just doing your personal best. We have a wonderful community of children, parents and teachers, and an absolutely superior Physical Education Teacher who works tirelessly to promote a sound healthy P.E. program!!

Dr. Deborah Parker, Principal Erwin Montessori

My kids and I have run in your road races for the past 3 years. Your program has changed our family and our fitness goals."

M. Townsend, Guilford County Schools, North Carolina

I just wanted to take a few minutes to express the high regard I have for the Go Far Program. I have two daughters who have participated in the program. It is difficult to exaggerate how thrilled they were to finish the 5K race. In addition to the health and wellness benefits, the thing I liked most about the program is that it gave my two “nerdy” daughters a chance to participate in an athletic event in which everyone who participated came home a winner! They both have expressed an interest in continuing with running a program.

I encourage you to do all you can to make this program available to as many kids as you possibly can.

J. Stanley

"The children were training to run a 5K and were encouraged to ask a parent to run with them. My wife and I drew straws and I got the short one. I started training with Timmy and both of us proudly finished our first 5K. Timmy felt great about his endeavor and I found the ingredient that was missing to help me gain a healthier lifestyle. I never stopped running since that first GO FAR race and have constantly set higher goals for myself. GO FAR has been a tremendous life changing and positive force in my life and has helped Timmy become more confident and conditioned athlete. It is a program that should be in every school."

Mike (Dad of Timmy)

"Perhaps the best part of GO FAR is what it provides on an emotional level. These children work hard toward a goal and through a structured, supervised program, they make friends, become more fit and gain self esteem."

Cristie (Mom from Colfax elementary)

"GO FAR is a winner"

Jeff Galloway, Olympian, Galloway Method running coach, and author

Last year a student asked me if I was joining GO FAR. She told me that it was a new running club at school that trains students (and interested teachers and parents) for a 5K race. I worked to not laugh. I was overweight, unhealthy, and my only exercise was walking to the parking lot after school. But as a new elementary school teacher who doesn’t want to let her students down, I signed up.
Despite Coach Bode’s encouraging welcome speech, the first day of practice gave me painful flashbacks to high school gym class. I expected the worst when we began to run. I saw myself left in the dust as I tried to catch my breath. But the exact opposite happened. Students began cheering each other on, supporting everyone’s best effort. This is when GO FAR’s message hit me. It wasn’t about being the fastest or the best, it was about being a team working toward one goal.

A. Clarke

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Testimonials

"GO FAR is a winner"