The Alternative Press

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - As the obesity epidemic continues in America, people are attempting to find ways to solve it. Between noon ET Oct. 26 and noon ET Oct. 27, the National Geographic Kids are hoping to set two Guinness world records: the most people running 100 meters in 24 hours and the longest chain of shoes.

Several Girl Scout troops from Allen W. Roberts School in New Providence participated in this event Friday afternoon after school on the soccer field. With parents and troop leaders cheering them on, the girls ran their hearts out as they attempted to set the record.

The troop leaders needed to fill out paperwork and have witnesses to the event.  Lana Boyle, who has been the troop leader for the third grade girls since they were in kindergarten, organized the event. After seeing it on the National Geographic website, she realized it would be a great thing for the girls to do.

The girls participate in activities year round, but she thought this would be a different type of event to hold.

“It was an exciting thing,” Boyle said.

Prior to the event, she explained to the girls the significance of what they were doing. The Girl Scouts meet monthly, do crafts, have a big hike in the spring and hold a Sweetheart Dance in February where the girls bring their dads.

Her daughter, Sabrina, had a blast sprinting across the soccer field.

“It was fun because when you’re doing it we were running with our friends and our troop,” Sabrina said.

One of her troopmates, Abby Loureiro, said it was awesome because she never participated in a race like this.   Although she hurt her ankle, she said she was okay and was glad she ran.