Indianapolis Public Schools announced on April 22 that students from sixteen of its schools will take part in the 2026 500 Festival KidsFit Final 5K, scheduled for May 2 in downtown Indianapolis.
The event is part of the free, school-based KidsFit Program, which aims to promote physical activity and wellness among students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The program encourages participants to run or walk one mile each week and track their progress, with the goal of completing a half-marathon distance before finishing with a final organized race.
Kathy Langdon, district coordinator for physical education and health at Indianapolis Public Schools, said, “This started as a way to get more of our schools involved in an incredible program, and the growth we’ve seen has been exciting. KidsFit is one of those experiences where you see students smiling, moving, and realizing that being active can be fun. When students feel successful in movement, it builds confidence that carries into the classroom and beyond.”
This year’s program includes a record number of participants statewide—105 schools and about 19,000 students. For those involved from Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), Langdon said participation is about more than running; it also helps build confidence and healthy habits.
Indianapolis Public Schools emphasizes racial equity as a core strategic priority according to the official website. The district serves over 30,000 students according to the official website across central Indianapolis through various programs according to the official website. Aleesia Johnson serves as superintendent according to the official website.
Looking ahead, IPS plans to continue fostering academic excellence by supporting initiatives like KidsFit that promote both wellness and learning opportunities for its diverse student population.
