They’re the Mustang Marathoners.

For the third straight year, the running club at Woodward School will piece together a progressive marathon – or a collective 26.2 miles – during the next few months.

“All members are tracking their miles with toe tokens,” said organizer Michelle Crippen, who is a teacher at the Manteca Unified site.

About 200 participants – included were students, staff and family members – logged in the first two miles last week. They did so by running around the expanse of the playground.

Those achieving the goal will earn a Progressive Marathon medal in the spring, Crippen said.

An even bigger goal for the Mustang Marathoners is completing those last few miles at the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Hit the Streets for Hunger in April.

This family-friendly 1-mile and 5-kilometer events are held in conjunction with the annual Crossroads Street Faire.

Participants will follow the Tidewater Bike Path course while doing so to help a good cause.

Proceeds from this event will help the Second Food Bank assist those throughout San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, including an estimated 35,000 on a monthly basis.

The Mustang Marathoners will meet Mondays and Thursdays after school, from 3 p.m. to 3:30.

For more information, call Crippen at 209-858-7430 or e-mail mcrippen@musd.net.