COURT HOUSE – Those with a child between 2-14 years of age who would like to lead a healthy and active lifestyle – or as a parent who wants this for their child – the Healthy Kids Running Series may be the answer.
Part of a national program, Cape May County’s program kicks off at 3:30 p.m. March 31, at the 4-H grounds, 355 Court House-South Dennis Road. Each week through May 5, youngsters can run in age-appropriate groups and distances, learning about healthy eating habits, how the environment and weather conditions can impact running, and competing and improving their athletic prowess.
“It’s nice running around the 4-H grounds,” noted Shannon DeVol, a mother of three who is the county program coordinator. “It gets the kids outside, running around the gardens, horses, woods. We run the same course each week so the runners can see how their time can improve.”
At the end of the session, which also runs in the fall, each participant gets a medal for participating each week. The top boy and top girl in each category also receive trophies in recognition of their efforts.
Over the two years the program has operated in Cape May County, about 50 youths have participated in each session. They usually run five weeks each time. However, because of Easter April 21, no session will occur that afternoon and this spring’s session runs six weeks. Sessions last about an hour.
A runner, DeVol understands the need to be active and healthy. She also understands the reluctance of youths, especially as they get older, to participate in activities like this.
“My 8- and 7-year-olds have participated, and my middle schooler begrudgingly runs,” she noted, chuckling.
After a warm-up and some stretching, children 2- and 3-years-old run a 50-yard dash, while 4- and 5-year-olds run a 75-yard dash. Kindergarteners and first graders run one-quarter mile; second and third graders run one-half mile, and fourth and fifth graders run one mile. Middle schoolers compete against their age group in a one-mile race.
There is a registration fee which covers t-shirts, medals and a race bag holding donated items. Anyone interested can register at the event or ahead of time at https://bit.ly/2ByAtYv
To contact Karen Knight, email kknight@cmcherald.com.
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