Run Time is Fun Time in RVA

by Jon Lugbill

Seeing more than 1,000 kids sprinting around Fountain Lake in Byrd Park last Saturday made me thrilled about what is going on in our community to promote physical activity. The children were smiling, yelling, and running and really enjoying their kids only running event—the Call Federal Marathon Jr. There was so much excitement and enthusiasm that you couldn’t help but feel energized by the experience. I was also very proud of Molly Johnson, our newest Event Director, who did an outstanding job leading our staff and volunteers to produce this awesome event.

As I looked around the field after the race was over, I saw kids getting their faces painted, balloon animals flying around, Jonathan the Juggler entertaining the crowd, and loads of people dancing to the fun tunes of the Diggity Dudes. All of the little race finishers were proudly wearing their finisher’s medals, and smiles were everywhere. Most of the little runners were either in costume or wearing shirts from their schools’ running programs. I was reminded of a simple truth—we humans like to come together with other like-minded people and share experiences. Sports Backers events like Marathon Jr. provide an opportunity to motivate these youngsters to run on a regular basis and have a fun way to celebrate their accomplishment with others.

When it comes to kids running, Sports Backers decided 10 years ago that we not only want to provide the celebration by producing kids running events but also support youth running programs that motivate kids to run on a regular basis. Over this time, we have learned a lot and expanded our Kids Run RVA programs thanks to the multitude of partners that support youth running throughout the region.

Kids Run RVA has all sorts of support methods, but the basic idea is that we want to provide kids the opportunity to have running clubs and teams at area elementary, middle and high schools. We provide grants to encourage running clubs and running races at area schools. We have special programs to facilitate running clubs at regional Title I schools that serve children from low income families. This support includes arranging for staff or volunteer support onsite, special school based shirts, complimentary entries to events, transportation assistance and even running shoes for the children that can’t afford them. Sports Backers employees Faith Hecht and Jacki Quinlan provide outstanding leadership in supporting youth running programs throughout the region. They come back to the office smiling when they’ve been out joining in at the running programs at area schools.

I know running isn’t for every kid. They might like soccer or basketball more. Shoot they might have a tough time running and have to walk. But studies show that kids who take part in an activity regularly before the age of 18 are highly likely to resume that activity as an adult. A sport that you can do relatively inexpensively for the rest of your life is not a bad gift to give a child. I hope others will join us in encouraging our area youth to learn about the joy of running. Who knows, they just might be runners for life and reap the benefits of being active for a lifetime.