WASHINGTON (WUSA) --- Several dozen Wilson and Cardoza high school students are preparing to run in their first marathon.
Psychologist Ben Foreman created "Teens Run DC" for much more than fitness. He found many of his young patients lacked strong relationships - some didn't have mentors - so he enlisted adult runners - who paired with teens to help them dream big.
"The idea is if I can achieve a goal like this what can't I accomplish," says Foreman. "So the notion is that it can generalize what they're doing is running maybe they can do in school, they can do it other things, setting goals in their lives."
Teens Run DC spent months training - several short medium and then long laps around the National Mall.
"There's some pretty fast kids, but if everyone completes the race and accomplish their goals everyone's a winner," says mentor Camille McAllister."
WATCH WUSA9'S COVERAGE OF THE SUN TRUST NATIONAL MARATHON SATURDAY MARCH 26TH STARTING AT 7AM.