Unique kids running program comes to Luling

Inclined to set your child up to form some strong, healthy habits? Then it appears you are in luck.

Luling will host The Healthy Kids Running Series beginning April 10, a national five-week running program established to encourage children ages pre-K through eighth grade to begin running and live healthy.

The series is set to go on for five straight Sundays: April 10, 17 and 24 and May 1 and 8. It will be held on the fields behind Lakewood Elementary School from 5 to 6 p.m. on each day.

The series offers age appropriate running events, including the 50-yard dash and quarter mile, half mile and one mile runs. Participants compete each week of the series for a chance to earn points. At the end of the series, the top points earners among boys and girls in each age division receives a trophy.

The five age groups for the run are pre-K, kindergarten and first grade, second and third grades, fourth and fifth grades and middle school.

Healthy Kids Running Series Commuity Coordinator Nathan Werve noted this will be the first time the run, which was originally established in Pennsylvania in 2009, will be held anywhere in Southern Louisiana.

“We want to see more (children) establishing a healthy lifestyle or continuing to promote their existing healthy lifestyle,” Werve said. “We think it will be a good experience for all who come out and a new one as well, since it will be our first time there.”

Children who participate will receive a medal, T-shirt and a bag full of race memorabilia. At the end of the program, parents will have a chance to participate in a mile run.

“The kids have the chance watch and to cheer on their parents,” he said.

Werve said the getting children involved in fitness from an early age can make a major positive impact for the rest of their lives. That is the ultimate aim, he says, of the non-profit HKRS, adding “it’s all about the kids and their experience.”

“The idea is to start forming that habit and interest very early so you hopefully see it continue,” he explained. “It’s just like playing baseball or basketball. Running can become something they’re passionate about.”

Season-long cost of registration is $35. Single day participation is also offered for $10. Barring severe weather, the runs will go on rain or shine.

Those interested in registering may do so online at runsignup.com/race/la/luling/healthykidsrunningserieslulingla.

 

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