The Healthy Kids Running Series will come to Moorestown’s Jeff Young Park this May.
“The Healthy Kids Running Series promotes the series’ mission of the ‘Get Up and Go’ attitude where kids crawl, walk and run amidst rain or shine with hopes of inspiring them to believe in themselves and stay healthy,” said Karen Romero, its co-coordinator.
The series was created to motivate kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle through a positive introduction to the world of running, according to its website. Founded in 2009, the series provides an inclusive five-week running program in both the spring and fall for children ages 2 to 14, and is designed for kids to get active, feel accomplished and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
Each series offers age-appropriate running events, including the 50- and 75-yard dashes, the one-fourth mile, the one-half mile and the 1-mile run. Participants will earn points for each race they complete based on their finish. The series also offers a Challenger Division, an adaptive 75-yard race for children with disabilities and/or special needs that allows parents, siblings and friends to be on the course with runners to provide support and bring their own supportive devices such as crutches, braces or wheelchairs, to be used by runners.
The Healthy Kids Running Series is “a very positive experience,” says co-coordinator Gretchen Simmerson.
“It’s a very positive experience,” said co-coordinator Gretchen Simmerson. “It raises kids’ energy. Families come to cheer on the kids … Everyone gets lots of cheers, which is a lot of fun.”
Moorestown’s Healthy Kids Running Series will be held on Sundays, May 3, 10, 17, 31 and June 7. All races will start at 4:30 p.m. Participants are required to register for their age/grade level at the time of the first race. The nonprofit believes the distances for each division are age-appropriate and that it’s important for kids to run with their friends and classmates.
Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis where a runner is moved into a different division after registration.
“It’s a nice way for kids to be out and enjoy the weekend,” Romero explained. “Outside with their friends, with their community, their families … (Everyone) can get together in this park. We’re lucky that we have beautiful parks here in town.”
Registration covers the entire five weeks of the series and includes race bibs for each week, a runner shirt, a finisher medal and sponsor giveaways. Participants for Moorestown’s series can come to some or all the races. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available.
If interested, contact cinnaminsonnj@healthykidsrs.org. To register or for more information, visit www.healthykidsrunningseries.org/race-locations/cinnaminson-moorestown-nj.
