Kids "marathon"

[April]

 
I realize there is a lot of work that goes into organizing an event for regular marathons/half marathons but I was just curious as to why there aren't many events that do a kids marathon ( 41.2km, running/walking, over time and the last km at a big event)?
 
 

[Newt]

G'day April,

Am I correct in understanding that you are suggesting children doing a 41.2km event? If so, I think that would be excessive and maybe unhealthy for children heck there is even an argument for it not being healthy for adults. If you are suggesting a child's event at a major marathon lets say 1-8km depending on age I think that would be a great idea.

Just my 2cents.

Peace
Peter

[April]

Ohh no, no, I mean they do the 41km over a period of time. For example, say, 2 months. They log runs/walks in the same manner we do, only basic - date; distance; total. It can be as casual as a family stroll , walking the dog, running at the track waiting for their parents to do speed work  etc. Until the 41k distance is completed and do their final km crossing the finish line at an event.   

[Sandy]

I used to do a marathon event for kids. We met once a week and they did Ek around a track then they had to accumulated 2k more through the week WITH a parent. Our final event was 2k around the track then medals, food etc.

I have tried to get PEC to incorprate something similar as well as we tried it at Quinte but there wasn't any interest. Maybe if we made it a Wii event we'd get more participants.

[Newt]

That sure sounds like a great idea April. Anything to keep children more active. I remember a teacher in early public school had a classroom competition for the first student to run 100km total. I think she was expecting it to take all semester but I finished it in under 3 weeks. The dissappointing part was none of the kids believed me as it was something you did mostly at home and was on a honour basis. I was so incredibly proud of my accomplishment until that point, and being considered a cheater never had crossed my mind.

Peace
Peter

[michellepot]

As the race director of the County KOS, I have suggested this to Lisa at the County Marathon and her answer was honest - they are too busy and cannot incorporate it at this point; she stated if somebody else could do all the work it may be able to work (mind you it was a couple of years ago we discussed it).  The concept does exist in Ottawa, at the Ottawa Race Weekend: Here is what they do:

Y Kids Marathon

The Y Kids Marathon event was created to promote fitness amongst today?s youth and generate interest in the sport of running. It is designed for children in Grades 3 ? 8. Children are encouraged to perform a half hour of exercise on a regular basis and each half hour of exercise is equivalent to one km to complete a total of 41km prior to race day. Your child can participate in numerous types of exercise such as running, soccer, cross country skiing, basketball or hockey which will be recorded as half hour of exercise.

A tracker sheet, which logs your exercise, can then be filled in. Parents or teachers should initial the Tracker Sheet as the student completes the training. Once your child completes the required 41 km he/she will give the tracker sheet to their teacher. If your child has registered individually, he/she can drop off the tracker sheet at Race Kit pickup at the Pfizer Health and Fitness Expo.

The race kits include a T-shirt, race bib and a souvenir timing chip. The timing chip is to be worn on your shoe and the race bib is to be pinned to your shirt. On Sunday May 29, 2011 at 8 a.m., the children will then finish the last 1.195 km at the Y Kids Marathon.

Note: If you are registering your child individually please click here to register for the Y Kids Marathon.  Schools: To register your students, click here. To download your tracker sheet please click here. You will also need to pick up your race kits at our Pfizer Health and Fitness Expo.

Great idea, but it would take some work!
Michelle

ps have them do a kids triathlon in the meantime!

[April]

Thanks Michelle, I didn't realize Ottawa had one. Too bad it's so far. My daughter does the County KOS. You guys put on a great event. Not sure if she's doing it this year or not, her response when I asked was "I'm too out of shape right now"  She's 10!

[Kate]

Peter, that's horrible! 
Good for you for not letting the reaction of peers be discouraging and venturing on to become the awesome accomplished athlete you are today.

[Newt]

G'day Kate.

Thanks, though it did hurt me quite a bit and at the risk of encouraging the wrath of the Big Ring Club, I remember crying at home in my room about it.  Though I think I'm over it now. 

Peace
Peter

[NancyR]

LOL Peter!

[The Moose1]

I think the Niagra Falls marathon offers a kid finish as well.  I always assumed the county didn't do it because it was too close to the start of the school year...Nice to know we're thinking about them though.

P.S.  Don't forget "Run for Fun" next week (June 4 at 9:30) near the Pirate ship in Belleville.

Mike

[Sandy]

We have a Pirate ship in Belleville?

[QATS3]

It washed ashore on the west side of the Moira!!!!
Most of the pirates have abondoned ship.
Used by kids now as a playground.
Cheers,
Bryan

[The Moose1]

Arrrrgh!

[Sandy]

  cool!