From staff reports
Healthy Kids Running Series is a national, community-based nonprofit which provides a fun, five-week running program for ages 2 to 14 that gets kids active and feel accomplished and lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
More than 44,000 kids participate in more than 200 Healthy Kids Running Series nationwide.
Race dates are April 7, April 14, April 28, May 5 and May 19. There will be no races on Easter or Mother’s Day. Parents can register their children for the entire series or choose to participate in one or more individual races.
Locally, HKRS is coordinated by United Way of Clarion County and proceeds benefit their work in the community.
Each HKRS offers age-appropriate race distances.
Kids compete each week to earn points and at the end of the series the top boy and girl with the most points in their respective age division earn a trophy.
All participants receive a finisher’s medal and HKRS tech shirt for their achievements courtesy of HKRS.
HKRS teaches its participants to live an active lifestyle through goal setting and dedication. Kids are encouraged to always do their best, practice good sportsmanship and have a positive attitude.
“Healthy Kids Running Series is designed to combat the increasing rates of child obesity in America,” said Jeff Long, HKRS founder. “My goal is to motivate and inform kids to be healthy and active.
“We are providing a fun environment to improve their self-esteem and inspire them to adopt a Get Up and Go’ attitude. The support and growth of our series have confirmed our value and mission.”
“The Healthy Kids Running Series is about having fun and encouraging our kids to remain active,” said Tamara Conan, national director, Healthy Kids Running Series. “Our goal is to provide a fun and positive experience for every participant and see them improve over the five weeks.”
The age divisions and race distances that pertain to that age group are as follows:
Pre-kindergarten (four and five year olds) 75 yard dash
Kindergarten and first grade one-fourth mile
Second and third grade one-half mile
Fourth and fifth grade one mile
Middle school one mile
To register a child, volunteer or become a sponsor, visit www.HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org.
Any questions can be directed to Melissa Fulton at United Way of Clarion County at (814) 226-8760.