NEWS RELEASE
United Way of Clarion County
Melissa Fulton
(814) 226-8760
[email protected]

Clarion County Youth Running Program

Encourages Kids to “Get Up And Go!”

FIRST RACE SET FOR SUNDAY APRIL 5th AT CLARION COUNTY PARK

Healthy Kids Running Series, a national inclusive and fun youth running experience where kids (ages 2-14) compete in age-appropriate races.  The emphasis of the series is to help kids appreciate a healthy, active lifestyle, practice good sportsmanship, and to never give up.

HKRS-Clarion is scheduled for April 5^th, April 19^th, April 26^th, May 3^rd and May 17^th.  All races are at Clarion County Park and begin at 4:30pm.    Parents can register their children by visiting https://healthykidsrunningseries.org

“Part of an active healthy lifestyle is getting kids out from behind gaming consoles and other screens and playing outside. Whether it’s running or another outdoor activity, we want to get kids moving,” said Tamara Conan, National Director, Healthy Kids Running Series. “Our races are kid focused with the ultimate goal of teaching them how to be active and healthy and creating meaningful relationships within our community.”

“We believe that sports, particularly running, teaches lifelong values, such as confidence and accomplishment,” said Jeff Long, Founder, Healthy Kids Running Series. “We teach effort, perseverance, persistence, sportsmanship, independence and grit to our participants and their families, as together, we are building a healthier generation of active kids.”

Local Coordinator, Melissa Fulton had this to say “The YMCA brought HKRS to Clarion County a few years ago.  They asked United Way to take it over for the Spring 2018 and we knew we couldn’t say no – we didn’t want to see this great program leave the area.  United Way of Clarion County is investing in a healthier community.  We are creating an opportunity for kids and their families to enjoy exercise, challenge themselves, and connect with others who are doing the same.  HKRS isn’t necessarily about coming in first or last, it is about finishing what you start, setting goals, and doing it with a great attitude.  Above all, I have 3 rules for the kids; Never give up, Be a Good Sportsman, and Have Fun.”

Healthy Kids Running Series offers a five-week program in the spring and fall with age-appropriate race distances. Kids compete each week for a chance 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 Healthy Kids Running Series tech T-shirt for their achievements. Early bird registration is $35 for the five-week Series prior to March 15th, and then increases to $40.

The Healthy Kids Running Series impacts more than 60,000 youth runners in 300+ communities across the United States. Healthy Kids Running Series engages communities and families by providing an inclusive youth running experience, inspiring kids to believe in themselves and lead active healthy lifestyles. Learn more at www.HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org.