Non-Competitive Fun at Philadelphia Kids‘ Run

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend features a Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 17, 2012. The Kids Fun Run, a short-distance non-competitive event for kids, ages 6 to 14, focuses on the fun and enjoyable sport of running. And who knows, it may produce some future marathoners some day!

The Kids Fun Run starts at 10:30 a.m. when the enthusiastic groups of runners will take off down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for either of two races: A one-mile run and a half-mile run. The Kids Fun Run uses the Start/Finish line for Sunday's Philadelphia Marathon, giving the younger ones a "big race" feel.  

"The Kids Fun Run provides a way to involve the whole family in this Philadelphia tradition, allowing parents and children to participate together," said Melanie Johnson, Executive Director, Philadelphia Marathon. "A child's early years are critical to establishing healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Our goal for this event reflects Mayor Michael Nutter's plan for healthy living. The Kids Fun Run sends a positive message and provides an opportunity for families to participate as part of an active and healthy lifestyle."

For first time, the participants get to select which distance they would like to run — a half or full mile.
 
Registration is $15, and participants will receive a race bib, T-shirt, a finisher medal, post-race refreshments and surprise goodies! To join in the run, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Waivers are required and will be available at the following: The Kids Zone at the Health and Fitness Expo in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch streets, on Friday, beginning at noon, and onsite Saturday at the Kids Fun Run, 22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 9 a.m.

Be sure to bring the youngsters out to the Kids Zone Friday, November 16 to Saturday, November 17. The Kids Zone will feature a full lineup of interactive games, activities and musical entertainment ready for the whole family to enjoy. The Kids Zone is the perfect place to encourage a fun, healthy lifestyle for children!  A shuttle is available from the Health & Fitness Expo, at 12th and Arch streets, to the Kids Fun Run at 22nd and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, beginning at 8:30 a.m., on Saturday, November 17.

Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, held annually the weekend before Thanksgiving, attracts 30,000 runners and 60,000 spectators to Philadelphia to experience "The Best Time of Your Life." Race Weekend features The Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, November 18; the Rothman Institute 8K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 17; and a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17. Race participants pass many of Philadelphia's famous attractions on the swift and scenic USATF-certified course, which is a Boston qualifier. Take the first step to experiencing 26.2 miles of fun, beauty, history and excitement by visiting www.philadelphiamarathon.com.