Kids' Fun Run

The 3rd Annual Kids' Fun Run will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Memorial Park in New Prague. The Kids' Fun Run will include two races - a 1/2 mile and a 1 mile race.

Kids' Fun RunBoth races will be held in conjunction with the New Prague Half Marathon and 5K, with the Kids' Fun Run beginning at 10:30 a.m. Registration for the Kids' Fun Run is $8.00, which includes a t-shirt.

The 3rd Annual Kids' Fun Run is sponsored by The Fitness Center and Mayo Clinic Health System. Use the tips on this page for a successful training session with kids!

Kids' Fun Run Training Tips

Running is a natural extension of walking for children. Most kids can run at the same time they walk. Never discourage a child from running.

If you are training children to run in the Kids' Fun Run, this advice will help your young runners.

  1. Always start by stretching, and walk or jog a bit. It is always OK to walk a little in your training.
  2. Work on pacing. Have you ever watched a Kids' Fun Run? The kids take off as fast as they can, and about a quarter of the way through the course they are out of energy, and end up slowly jogging to the finish. It is important for kids to understand the concept of pacing. Always start slowly and then pick up the pace.
  3. To gain endurance while training for the race you should be gradually increasing your distance run in the weeks leading up to the run.
  4. Keep it fun! Kids often resist structure and chores. Kids do enjoy games, though, so keep it light and fun. Set individual goals to avoid "I'm always last" syndrome. You can make their training fun by acting as if they are racing for a gold medal, or as if they are out to break a world record.
  5. Always stretch and walk or jog a bit after running.

Be sure to review proper running form regularly with kids. Basic concepts include:

  • Run Tall — Don't lean too far back or forward.
  • Run Relaxed — Head, face, shoulders, and arms should feel relaxed.
  • Chin up and eyes forward.
  • Arms should swing straight ahead, not from side to side.
  • Relaxed hands with thumb usually up — no clenching fists.
  • Don't go out too fast — start slowly.
  • Keep the same effort going up or down hill or flat.
  • Stride length should not be too long. Don't overstride.

On the day of the race, kids should:

  • Eat a good breakfast. Eat at least two hours before the race to allow time for digestion before the run. A healthy breakfast is very important before a Fun Run, just make sure the food has time be digested and not cause an upset stomach.
  • Stay hydrated. Remember to drink some water before and after the run. You will need to stay hydrated to do your best, especially if it is a hot day!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How should a child train?

For young runners there is very little need to develop a formal training program. It is just a matter of getting out to local parks, school grounds or anywhere there is open space and running as often as you can. Be very careful of cars, so pick your courses carefully. Trails are good as long as you are accompanied by a responsible person.

At some stage or age consider a log book. A simple notebook is adequate. Just keep a small note of the date, an estimate of the distance and time plus a few works on how you felt during the run.

How and when to stretch?

Stretching mechanics is something that cannot be overemphasized. From the earliest age it is good to get into the habit of stretching both before and after any running, and during other times as well. Develop a balanced routine that covers all of the affected muscles.

How to prevent injury?

Many injures result from inadequate stretching. This especially applies to sprints and in cooler weather. The cooler the temperature, the more stretching required to warm up the muscles. Always listen to your body.