It started as Cindy Elsbernd’s frustration with how unhealthy children had become. But instead of just complaining about it, she decided to work to get kids active.

Now, just two years later, the organization she founded, Iowa Kidstrong Inc., has programs in 17 local elementary schools and works with more than 1,000 children a year in the Des Moines area.

“We work to promote healthy, active lifestyles among children,” Elsbernd said. “We aren’t working to replace physical education programs, just to supplement those programs as a part of a collaborative effort.”

Elsbernd said each school provides its own coordinator and runs the program during its noon recess hour. Currently, the organization just works on its KidStriders program, which has kids walk or run a little each day, slowly building towards the goal of reaching 26 miles, or the length of a marathon. Students receive incentives for each five miles they complete. Upon reaching the 26-mile goal, students receive a special T-shirt and an opportunity to finish the last quarter- mile journey (a “victory lap”) at a special event. They also receive a finisher’s medal.

Elsbernd said the organization also sponsors a health and wellness fair, which this year will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Polk County Convention Complex.

“It’s free and open to everyone,” she said. “There is no need to register. Just show up.We want this event to grow every year. It’s an exciting way to educate children and parents about living healthy lifestyles.”

The wellness fair is sponsored by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. This will be the second year the organization has held the event, with last year’s at Hubbell Elementary School.

Elsbernd also publishes a newsletter with information for parents about what they can do to improve the health of their children.

“We really want to educate parents as well,” she said. “If we fail to reinforce the efforts of our children, we’re only doing half a job.”

The goal, Elsbernd said, is to expand the program to middle and high school students in the coming years, as well as extend the organization’s reach to schools outside of the Des Moines area.

“There has been interest outside of Des Moines,” she said. “And Wellmark has mentioned that it would be interested in helping us extend the organization’s reach to schools around the state. It’s just grown so fast, I’m just amazed and overwhelmed at how popular the program has become.”