Mile-by-Mile Marathon®

The GO! St. Louis Mile by Mile Marathon program is a corporate wellness initiative that encourages employees to get fit by walking or running one mile at a time over a six week period, to complete a 26.2 mile marathon. The program works in concert with a company’s human resources fitness objectives, to help motivate and engage employees to make fitness and nutrition part of their lives. Depending on a company’s goals, we can create a specialized program that includes additional fitness activities or appearances from members of the GO! St. Louis faculty, which is comprised some of the area’s top fitness and nutrition experts.  

The Mile by Mile Marathon program debuted in 2007, when more than 215 City of St. Louis employees accepted the challenge to get fit. In total, City employees logged more than 9,861 miles, which included Deanna Cecil, who personally walked 444.9 miles.

The Mile by Mile Marathon program includes a personal training log to chart progress; a t-shirt; medal; and certificate upon completion of the employee’s fitness goals. In addition, we encourage companies to hold special kickoff rallies and/or celebration events as part of the program. GO! St. Louis works in tandem with human resources personnel to offer four “Lunch and Learn” sessions as part of the program. Sessions are held during an employee’s lunch hour and inform participants on a range of topics. Topics such as: proper stretching techniques, fitness goal setting, stress management, selecting the proper shoes/apparel and nutrition. 

As the cost of employee healthcare continues to rise for companies, it has increasingly become vital that companies establish a corporate wellness program.

A healthy employee is a happy and productive employee.

Click HERE for a list of the GO! St. Louis Faculty

If you or your company would like more information on the Mile by Mile program, please call 314-727-0800 or email us at info@gostlouis.org.

 

GO! St. Louis Mile-by-Mile Faculty

BEN ROSARIO
Apparel and Footwear
Ben is the co-owner of Big River Running Company, a local running and walking store with a strong reputation as a community-minded store. As a competitive runner himself Ben has run everything from a 4:06 mile to a 2:18 marathon and has twice competed in the Olympic Trials. He was the youngest qualifier at the 2004 Trials at the age of 24 and finished second at the 2005 US Marathon Championships in Minneapolis. Ben was raised in South St. Louis, attended Saint Louis University High School and graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. He was recently recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal as a “30 under 30” award winner, which highlights young professionals, 30-years-old or younger, who have made a significant contribution to the local business community.

EMILY SMALL
Nutrition
Emily is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian since 2003, completing her education and internship at Saint Louis University.  She is dually certified as a personal trainer through National Academy of Sports Medicine and has spent the past 5 years as the Manager and Director of Nutrition at NutriFormance, LLC in St. Louis.  Outside of work Emily can be found enjoying a run or dancing.  Emily believes that all foods fit in a healthy and active lifestyle.

DR. BILL CRAGG
Injury Prevention
Bill is the owner and chief practitioner at Saint Louis Injury and Rehabilitation Center. A graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic, he has been in private practice for more than 12 years. He has served on the clinical teams for the Olympic Women's Marathon Trials, as Team Doctor for the American Heart Association's "Train To End Stroke" Marathon Team, Tour de Missouri's Medical Staff and supports the Gateway Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Team In Training." Dr. Cragg enoys working with young athletes and continues to support local area race teams.  Dr. Cragg is a Senior Consultant with C.I.M.A. (Corporate Injury Management and Associates), and is a featured guest lecturer and speaker for a number of St. Louis-based companies.  Bill enjoys triathlon training, racing and golf. He has competed in several triathlons and is an IRONMAN finisher. 
 
GINA PONA-NORTON
Benefits of Fitness
Gina has been bringing her enthusiasm for a healthy lifestyle and her vast energy to thousands of St. Louis adults and children since 1996. Whether as KSDK Channel 5 Fitness Expert or as the personal trainer and fitness consultant at your local YMCA, Gina has a proven track record of nearly 15 years. Gina's vast knowledge of the Personal Training industry includes her highly acclaimed techniques that motivate her clients toward new healthy patterns. She received a bachelor’s degree in Education from Webster University and a Master’s Degree in Specialized Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Gina has received national certifications in personal training, strength training, advanced personal training and nutrition and exercise for weight management.

CONNIE STROBACH
Benefits of Fitness
Connie is a personal trainer at Wellbridge Athletic Club & Spa in Town & Country. Before joining Wellbridge, she spent 33 years as a health and physical educator in the Ladue School District and received a coveted Missouri Teacher of the Year award in 1986.  Connie coached track & field, gymnastics, volleyball and field hockey throughout her lengthy career. A life-long St. Louis resident, she attended Missouri State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Her athletic resume includes competing in the1968 Olympic Trials in the shot put, discus and javelin. Not only does Connie inspire area residents to get fit, but she still competes as a Senior Olympian, where she holds numerous records.