Get Ready to RUN

Aug 7, 2018 | News

…. at the Kids’ Marathon on September 29th!

Mid-State Health Center and the Bristol Rotary Club in partnership with the New Hampshire Marathon and are the proud sponsors of the Kids’ Marathon. The Kids’ Marathon is a FREE event offered to children as part of the New Hampshire Marathon on Saturday, September 29th to foster healthy eating and active living habits among children.

Here is how the Kids’ Marathon works:   All children in grades K – 8 are eligible to participate in the Kids’ Marathon on race day. The goal is for each registered youth participant to complete 25.2 miles of running/walking/activity PRIOR to the Kids’ Marathon, and then to participate in the Kid’s Marathon race in Bristol, NH to complete the final mile of their “marathon”.

The free event is offered to encourage children and their families and friends to become more active.  Children registered prior to race day will log their first 25.2 miles in the weeks prior to the race. They will turn in the completed log on race day where they will complete their “final mile”.  Children are encouraged to run/walk with mom, dad, brothers, sisters, or friends to log their 25.2 miles in preparation for the race.  Parents are highly encouraged to participate by logging miles with their children.

Running can be done anywhere . . . in a neighborhood, at the beach, at the ball field, or a local track. Students need to be sure they are running in a safe place.  Parents need to know where their children are when running/walking.  Everyone needs to stay safe.  The buddy system keeps kids safe and offers encouragement to all. Wear a good pair of sneakers and try to keep one pair just for running. Encourage kids to talk while they run. This will help them maintain an appropriate pace. It is important for kids to eat right, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep as part of an overall exercise program as well.

The Tapply-Thompson Community Center is offering a FREE Kids Running Club for any kids grades K-8 interested in learning about the basics of cross-country running.  It is also a great way to log miles for the Kids Marathon.  The Running Club meets throughout the summer at Kelley Park. If you would like more information about the Running Club contact the TTCC at 603-744-2713.

Race Day is Saturday, September 29, 2017, along with the NH Marathon.  The Kid’s Race begins just after at 9:00 am. Check-in will begin at 8:00 am – at Kelley Park in Bristol.  The Race Start is at the Old Mill Parking Area by the Multi-Use Path in Bristol, NH across from Old Mill Properties (kids will be bussed to the start).  There will be a celebration immediately following at Kelley Park to recognize this INCREDIBLE achievement for all children who complete the Mid-State Kids’ Marathon.

A special marathon medal will be given to each child who brings their COMPLETED training log on Race Day! The pre-registration deadline to receive a Free T-Shirt & medal for a completed log is September 14.  To register for the Free Kids’ Marathon and print the mileage log visit nhmarathon.com or stop by the Tapply-Thompson Community Center for a registration packet.  If you would like more information, please contact the NH Marathon: race@nhmarathon.com or call 744-2713.