Provided by Healthy Kids Run Series (HKRS) – Manassas, VA | Photos courtesy of Healthy Kids Running Series and Mirza Portraits
Healthy Kids Running Series, a national community-based non-profit, will be kicking off its spring race season this May at Stonewall Park in Manassas. The five-week running series for boys and girls ages 2 to 14 will take place for five consecutive weeks on April 19, April 26, May 3, May 10, and May 17. Runners can register online here.
This five-week running series, which occurs each year in the spring and fall, was created to provide children with a fun introduction to the sport of running in an environment that builds confidence and self-esteem. Through the positive introduction to the world of running, the goal is to motivate kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle with a “Get Up and Go” attitude.
Early bird series registration costs are $48.70 per child and increases to $54 as the race gets closer. A series registration comes equipped with everything your child needs to look and feel like a champ. It includes all five races, one race each week for five consecutive weeks, a Healthy Kids Running Series T-shirt, Race Bibs, a Shiny Medal earned at the culmination of the five-week program, and any sponsor giveaways. Top point scorers from each category will also receive a trophy at the end of the series.
Single-day race registration onsite opens one hour prior to the start of each race. The $22.20 registration fee covers one single race to be on the day of the registration and a runner shirt while supplies last.
Children are required to run with their classmates/grade level. The program is designed to introduce kids to running in a positive way, which means it’s not about pushing the limits, but about having fun while running. All children will be encouraged to take part in stretching exercises prior to the start of their race. Once they have completed their race families are encouraged to stick around and cheer on fellow runners.
Race Categories
- Pre-K (2/3 Year Olds) – 50 Yard Dash
- Pre-K (4/5 Year Olds) – 75 Yard Dash
- Kindergarten – 1st Grade – ¼ Mile
- 2nd Grade – 3rd Grade – ½ Mile
- 4th Grade – 8th Grade – 1 Mile
*Challenger Division – 75 Yard Dash
*The Challenger Division is an adaptive 75-yard race for children with disabilities and/or special needs that caters to the intellectually and physically disabled athletes. The race gives children living with disabilities the opportunity to participate in all the wonderful benefits the Healthy Kids Running Series offers. Parents, siblings, and volunteers can run with participants or meet them as they cross the finish line.
Each Healthy Kids Running Series race is coordinated by a member of the community who has a passion for an active healthy lifestyle and fun competition. Their job is to bring the community together through the joy of running.
“As a former cross-country runner, I love being able to share this passion with the kids in this community. The best part is when they run to me and give the biggest hugs at the finish line.” – Keisha Strand, Manassas.
Healthy Kids Running Series is looking for partners to sponsor the Spring running series. Sponsorships offer a unique and rewarding opportunity to reach parents and families while assimilating your brand and developing relationships with the community. All sponsors are encouraged to attend the weekly races and cheer on our young runners!
All-star volunteers are also needed to help lead stretching, help with registration/check-in, and to marshal the course.
Become a part of the team! To learn more about becoming a sponsor or to volunteer, contact Keisha Strand, manassasva@healthykidsrs.org. Keep up to date with healthy lifestyle and running tips, community involvement, and announcements on Facebook: facebook.com/hkrsmanassasva.
About Healthy Kids Running Series
Healthy Kids Running Series is a national, community-based non-profit that provides an inclusive and fun five-week long running experience for children ages 2-14, inspiring them to believe in themselves and lead an active healthy lifestyle. The program, which takes place twice a year in the Spring and Fall, inspires them to get up and go! To find a series near you visit HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org.
