Modesto Marathon gives some a chance to switch to healthier lifestyle

Participating in a 5-kilometer race at the Modesto Marathon was more than just a fun morning jog for 46-year-old Charlie Brown. It was part of a big transformation toward a healthier lifestyle.

The Modestan used to weigh 366 pounds before he underwent surgery a few months ago to help him lose weight. Now, he runs regularly and weighs 268 pounds. After finishing, he said Sunday’s run through Modesto felt good.

“It seemed fast,” Brown said after crossing the finish line. “I can’t wait to do more.”

He ran the 5K pushing a stroller carrying his 9-month-old granddaughter, Bay Sousa. He brought her along Sunday because he usually pushes her in the stroller on his jogs. This time, she slept through the entire run.

“Usually she sings and kicks her feet,” Brown said about his granddaughter.

This was the first time he’s ever run a 5K, and he wants to try a 10K next time.

A group of 12 staffers from Tuloumne Elementary School were also out Sunday making healthier lifestyle changes. The group ran the 5K. They prepared for the event by running together up to 2 miles, twice each week.

“We want to continue. It’s nothing I ever would’ve thought of doing,” said Linda Hilscher, a second-grade teacher at the school.

It was the first time running a 5K for the Tuloumne staffers, except for Principal Heather Contreras. She encouraged staffers to join her on this run and promote a healthier lifestyle.

The principal said she was inspired to start the running group by Modesto City Schools Superintendent Pam Able’s push to make health a priority with the district’s “Ready, Reset, Go!”

The group trained by running through the school’s Herndon Road neighborhood just south of Mancini Park. Contreras said the training helped staffers become more connected with the neighborhood and possibly encourage students to exercise.

“The kids see us as part of the community,” Contreras said. “There’s been bonding (among the staffers). It’s taking steps in the right direction.”

Emma Martinez, a fourth-grade teacher, led the Tuolumne school group across the finish line. She said she wants to run again next year.

“It’s not as long as I thought it would be,” Martinez said about 5K. “The volunteers were incredible, cheering us on.”

Tyler Jackson sprinted through the finish line, completing the 5K in 20 minutes, 40 seconds. This was just a warm-up for the 16-year-old track and field athlete from Big Valley Christian School. It was his first 5K, and he plans on moving up to the half-marathon next year.

“It’s pretty fast,” Jackson said of the 5K. “All the work I put in it paid off.”

Cynthia Keyes, 17, ran her third half-marathon on Sunday. She joined the Teens Run Modesto program at Enochs High School during her freshman year to prove to herself that she could run in these events.

“Now, I’m more competitive,” Keyes said moments before starting her run Sunday.

The Teens Run Modesto program mentors and trains junior high and high school students for 26 weeks to complete the Modesto Marathon. It was created by Modesto’s ShadowChase Running Club as a means to engage at-risk youths, help them set goals and build self-esteem.

The program was launched in 2010, and it was modeled after a similar program for at-risk youths in East L.A. The Modesto Marathon was relaunched in 2010, in part, to have a race for these local youths to run. The immediate goal for participating high school students is to run a marathon.

The Modesto Marathon, in its sixth year since its relaunch, brought thousands of runners and spectators to downtown Modesto.

The marathoners began their 26.2-mile trek on M Street between 10th and 11th, bursting through the college area before heading out into the countryside to the west. Half-marathoners also started their run about 7 a.m. Sunday, followed by 5K runners 20 minutes later.

Claire Jueco, 17, was running her first marathon on Sunday. She ran alongside her teammates from Enochs High. They trained for the event by running three times a week.

“I’m so nervous,” Jueco said before her run. “To be honest, all I want to do is finish.”

In 2014, there were 225 students from 12 local schools participating in the Teens Run Modesto program. Even students not in participating schools can join the program. If you can find transportation, you can find a TRM group to train with.

Jean Ellaina, 17, found it really challenging when she first joined the TRM group at Enochs High, but she found a lot of strength and encouragement in the program. On Sunday, she ran her second marathon.

“I’m ready,” Ellaina said before starting her run. “My team, my family, my faith; that’s what keeps me going.”

This story was originally published March 30, 2015 at 5:01 AM with the headline "Modesto Marathon gives some a chance to switch to healthier lifestyle."