Event aims to set children up for a lifetime of healthy habits.
By: Stephen Finn
“We both ran in high school and college so we thought it would be fun for her to try it,” said Thomas. “I think all of us are striving to make sure our kids are less in front of the TV and more frequently outside.”
Coordinator Lauren Leight had her hands full for the duration of the event. She was thrilled with the turnout, but things got overwhelming quickly.
“We had about 75 to 100 sign up, and we had double that show up,” said Leight.
Leight, a mother of three, started organizing the series last May while she was looking for programs she could get her 4-year-old daughter Kayla involved in. She found the Healthy Kids Running Series and noticed it had no events in her area.
She took matters into her own hands and used her skills as a sales manager to pull everything together. To her, talking to businesses and getting sponsors was the easy part. Securing the park and getting the word out so people would actually show up proved to be a little more difficult.
“It took some grassroots marketing, just talking to as many people as possible,” said Leight.
In spite of the larger than expected crowd, the series kickoff was a success and every child who wanted to was able to participate. Leight was aided by a number of volunteers and people who reached out asking how they could help.
Leight’s most popular helper was a special guest who arrived to show her support and pose for a few pictures with her young fans, superhero Wonder Woman.
Among the business sponsors Leight was able to secure was Orange Theory Fitness.
“I started taking classes there three years ago and got hooked,” said Leight. “They have been super supportive.”
James Gaddy was in attendance representing Orange Theory and his own organization Project Little Warriors. Gaddy led the kids in a pre-run stretch to get them ready to race, all the while shouting encouragement and getting everyone fired up.
Project Little Warriors is a nonprofit that aims to bring mindfulness and self-love to a younger generation by way of yoga and fitness. They try to bring about this mindfulness by traveling to schools throughout the area and teaching yoga in the classroom.
“By doing this, it helps lay a foundation so they can build a successful future, no matter what it may be,” said Gaddy.
He believes events like this series are important for a number of reasons.
“First and most important, it gets these children out of the house, absorbing the fresh air and getting them active within the community. It allows them to actively get involved with their peers,” he said.
The kids will earn points for their performance as the series continues with four more races yet to come. Gaddy hopes this not only encourages some friendly competition but gives them a goal to work for every week.
“Working toward something makes it that much more motivating for these children, and small goals like this lead to bigger dreams and goals they may set in the future,” he said.
Both Gaddy and Leight agree good fitness habits start at home with mom and dad.
“Children imitate their parents so they should set a good example,” said Leight.
Gaddy adds that providing an environment at home where children understand the importance of healthy eating and why exercise is so great for their bodies is crucial to raising health-conscious kids.
“It may take a little getting used to when first establishing these habits, but is beyond worth it for their future,” he said.
The series will continue with races every Sunday until the finale on Oct. 14. For information on getting your kids involved, contact Leight at [email protected] or call (215) 341–1357.
