Tulsa Store Joins The Battle Against Childhood Obesity

A Tulsa store wants kids to stretch their boundaries when it comes to fitness.

"Fleet Feet" started a kids training program in South Tulsa and this year -- added a North Tulsa elementary school to reach an underprivileged area.

Fleet Feet and volunteer coaches are warming kids up to the idea of exercising. The fitness store partnered with Emerson Elementary this year to offer a free running program to kids who may not otherwise have that opportunity, like MaCayla McLemore.

"I love it because it's fun, it's active and I don't have to sit in the house all the time and just sit there," said 11-year-old MaCayla McLemore.

The 11-year-old is one of nearly 40 kids in the Zoomerangs program in North Tulsa. The course uses games to teach kids how to run, proper form and breathing techniques.

"We want it to be fun. So if it's fun, they are going to do it, they are going to exercise and they are going to really equate running and fitness with fun," said Lori Dreiling, Fleet Feet owner.

There is also a serious side to this program. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 3 low-income children is obese or overweight before their 5th birthday.

One reason is the lack of access to organized sports, which is why the Zoomerangs program at Emerson is for 5 to 12 year olds.

""It makes me feel excited to run. It makes me feel exhausted, too," said 9-year-old Taylon Morgan.

The kids are working towards a fun run or the Cinco de Mayo 5K, depending on their ability. Kids also get assigned 'homework' of extra running.

"I feel kinda tired, but relieved that I came because I got all my exercise done," MaCayla said.

The course is six weeks and turns into so much more than just a running program.

"It's life skills, it's working with other people, it's the importance of keeping yourself healthy and engaged and active," Dreiling said.

Fleet Feet hopes to expand the Zoomerangs program at Emerson Elementary for the summer session. If you're interested in that program or the one in South Tulsa, call 918-492-FEET.