In the spectacular state of North Carolina, where sweet tea flows like rivers and hush puppies rain from the sky, there's a group of kids who aren't like ordinary children. They're the Marathon Marvels! Now, let me introduce you to Captain Speedy Paws, the leader of the pack. With a belly full of grits and a heart bursting with courage, he runs faster than a squirrel in a dog park. Don't let his name fool you, though. His "speedy paws" are actually a pair of neon-orange running shoes that he wears everywhere, even in bed! But racing through the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the Outer Banks isn't just about setting records for these kids. No siree, Bob! They're having the time of their lives, giggling their way through the miles, splashing in puddles, and chasing after the echo of their laughter. Captain Speedy Paws and his Marathon Marvels are as fast as cheetahs and as stubborn as mules. They never quit, no matter how far they have to go. They believe in the power of their dreams, and they know that a marathon isn't just a race, it's a journey. So, if you ever find yourself in North Carolina, be prepared. You just might stumble upon a pack of cheerful, chatty children racing like the wind. You'll know it's them by the whirlwind of giggles and the echo of, "Onwards, Marathon Marvels!" echoing through the pine-scented air. And if you're lucky, you might even get a glimpse of Captain Speedy Paws, leading the charge with a smile as bright as the Carolina sun.
Read morebest marathon programs in Wilmington, NC


What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.


At Island Montessori Charter School, this approach is taken to heart. Here, children of diverse backgrounds are given the opportunity to learn and grow at their own pace in a developmentally appropriate and challenging Montessori environment. The school also models grace and courtesy, creating a peaceful community of lifelong learners. Parents looking to provide their children with the best educational experience will find it at Island Montessori Charter School. This unique institution helps children reach their full potential – physically, intellectually, and emotionally – by offering an environment that stimulates their interests and learning capacities. With grace and courtesy models in place, the school fosters a peaceful community of lifelong learners.

Wilmington’s Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to helping city residents live their best lives. By offering high-quality programming and maintaining its parks and facilities, the department provides a range of opportunities for recreational, social, cultural, employment, and educational activities. The Department of Parks and Recreation is dedicated to promoting holistic well-being for its residents. From offering parks and recreational facilities to providing educational and employment opportunities, the department is working to ensure all city residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. The City of Wilmington Department of Parks and Recreation is an invaluable asset in the community, providing a wide variety of services that support the health and wellbeing of its residents. From maintaining parks and facilities to offering recreational, social, cultural, employment, and educational activities, the department is committed to helping city residents live their best lives.