Kids ages 2-14 from across the county are encouraged to participate in the Healthy Kids Running Series.
Submitted photos
GREENVILLE — The Healthy Kids Running Series in Greenville will begin its season on Oct. 13. Their mission is to provide a welcoming and encouraging athletic environment and to promote the development of healthy lifestyles from a young age.
“I like to describe the program like this: we take the idea of a 5k and translate it into a five-week racing experience for kids with race lengths tailored to their ages, 2-14,” explained Elise Hays, coordinator of the program.
This past spring, the non-profit set a record for participant involvement since starting back up in the spring of 2022 with 80 runners from across the county joining the program. While the program was at the track in the spring, the fall season will be held at Memorial Hill in Greenville City Park. Elise Hays discussed why they decided to return to Memorial Hill.
“We have found that following the sports seasons, track and cross country, helps us to avoid canceling for bad weather. And thankfully, our park is beginning to come back to life since being hit by the tornado this past spring.”
This season, Hays brought on Ethan Sparks as head volunteer of Healthy Kids Running Series after prior successful seasons with head volunteer Matthew Lee.
“I have found that having a variety of volunteers with different experiences and athletic abilities is something that strengthens the program. When kids come to the races, they can see volunteers who may be slower, like myself, but are doing their best in each race and they can also see volunteers that win medals at XC meets. What matters is that whatever the child’s skill level is, they do their best and we celebrate them at every race. Ethan Sparks has been instrumental in helping me make kids feel comfortable enough on race day to do their best no matter what that looks like.”
The program has seen great support from sponsors such as Up and Running Shoes and Fitness Apparel in Troy, Zechar Bailey Funeral Homes, Shaun Hayes at Berkshire Hathaway, GNB Banking Centers, Wayne Healthcare Foundation, Star 88.3, Ryan Bolin Photography, DJ Shine, and Chris Hays Electric. Additionally, grant funding from United Way has provided for a much larger snacks and drinks budget, helping to enhance the race day experience.
If you are interested in registering for the fall season, head to RunSignUp and search for Healthy Kids Running Series Greenville, OH. If you have any questions, contact Hays at [email protected].
