no need for pre
race day jitters

Healthy Kids Running Series founded in 2009 to provide kids a positive, educational, and fun introduction into the world of running. The founder, Jeff Long, designed a running program that would motivate kids to be healthy and active while providing a fun environment to improve their self-esteem. Jeff believed the program would encourage kids to adopt a “Get Up and Go” attitude.

HKRS is a five-week program that takes place in both the spring and fall seasons. Typically, race day is Sunday afternoon, but varies by location. Please refer to your specific Location page for more details. Click here to see our listing of towns by state.

HKRS has over 300 course locations across the country. To find a location by state listing or to search using your zip code, click here. If there isn’t a location near you, and you think you’ve got what it takes to start a Series in your own town, interested in starting a race? Click here to learn more!

We’re running all over the place! To find a location by state listing or to search using your zip code, visit our Locations page.

Registration typically opens 3 months prior to the first race date. For the spring, we like to get moving in mid-April through mid-May with registration opening in January. The end of June is go time for our fall registration, and runs mid-September through mid-October.

The cost is $40 for kids to get up and run with HKRS each season with our Early Bird Pricing and $45 as the race gets closer. If your child would rather pace him/herself with just one race to start, you’re welcome to register on-site for $20 the day of that race.

Quick timeout: Please note that some HKRS races are part of our Underserved Community Program which is subsidized by either HKRS or other partners choosing to support the community. As a result, you may see discounted rates in certain communities.

HKRS is driven by a desire to help communities and families that may need assistance. Our team is stronger together, so if the registration fee prevents any runner’s participation, we encourage you to apply for Registration Assistance here.

A Series registration ($40 Early Bird Pricing) comes equipped with everything your child needs to look and feel like a champ. It includes all five races- one race each week, the HKRS t-shirt, race bibs, and a shiny medal earned at the culmination of the five-week program. Top point scorers even get a trophy to proudly hoist at the finish line based on total points.

Single Race competitor ($20) are not eligible for medals and trophies.

Since the registration cost is already extremely low for everything it includes (5 races, race bibs, sponsor goodies, etc.), we do not offer family discounts. We do believe that every child who wants to run, should be able to run. Thanks to the generosity of others, HKRS has a Registration Assistance program for families in need of scholarships. You can apply here.

Unfortunately, there are some rules you just have to take in stride. Our registrations being non-refundable is one of them. However, if your child has a medical condition that prevents them to participate after you have registered, we will provide a full refund with a doctor’s note. We look forward to seeing them next season!

Made a false start? We get it! Transferring from one location to another in the same season is possible, just as long as it’s before either race has started. Contact the local Community Coordinator of the race you’re registered for and they can help. Find their info on the local town page or in your registration confirmation email.

While registration can be transferred in certain situations, registration fees are non-refundable and cannot be deferred to future seasons.

No, participants are required to run with their classmates/grade level. This program was designed to introduce kids to running in a positive and fun way, which means staying in the right lanes! It’s not about pushing the limits; it’s about having fun while running. We believe an important part of this is running with friends and classmates in the same grade level.

Packet Pick-Up is a scheduled time prior to race day for runners and their dedicated fans (aka parents) to grab their sponsor goodies courtesy of our sponsors, as well as their race t-shirt and race bibs. While it’s not mandatory, we recommend making it part of your game plan, so you can get all these essential items without waiting in long registration/check-in lines on race day. Please check your location’s page two weeks prior to the first race for the race Packet Pick-Up time and location.

Yes, as runners, we try to be flexible. You’ll just have to pick up the pace on Day 1 and arrive 30+ minutes early to check in at the registration table and receive your sponsor goodies, race t-shirt, and race bibs.

If you were unable to attend Packet Pick-Up, please arrive at the registration table 30-45 minutes early on race day. If you made it to Packet Pick-Up, just arrive 15 minutes early to warm up! You will not need to check in again on race day.

A little preparation goes a long way. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on the right track:

• Write your child’s first initial and last name on the tear-off portion of the race number. This is how we keep times/results, so make sure it stays attached. We will tear this portion off when your little star crosses the finish line.
• Pin the race bib on the front of your child’s shirt.
• Bring a water bottle
• Wear running shoes
• Dress appropriately for the weather. We run rain or shine!
• Pack a positive attitude!

Yes. Unless there’s thunder and lightning or other severe weather, we will usually lace up, rain or shine. The decision to cancel or postpone is made by each location’s Community Coordinator with the support of HKRS National Office. Please contact your local Community Coordinator for questions or concerns.

Parents have the opportunity to opt in to the RunSignup text alert system throughout the registration process. The local Community Coordinator will send a text alert as well as an email through the registration platform. All announcements will also be posted on that specific Series’ Facebook page.

Yes. HKRS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (Tax ID: 80-8779739), dating back to January 17, 2012. Founded in the fall of 2009, HKRS took its first steps as a community outreach program for Pattison Sports Group but has since become its own nonprofit running full speed ahead!

Healthy Kids Running Series offers a fun, inclusive hour-long race event five times in the spring and again in the fall with a year-round focus on kids, families and meaningful relationships in our communities. In order for Healthy Kids Running Series to maintain its Series there are expenses that we incur from renting facilities, to event insurance, marketing materials, T-shirts, medals, bibs and other costs. Registration fees help us cover these costs. We also maintain inclusivity, and will never deny a family the opportunity to participate in our Series. Therefore, a portion of the funds that are generated from registration cover the cost of scholarships to allow those who want to run and are unable to afford the registration fee the ability to race with us. We are grateful to our sponsors who help us keep our costs as low as possible. 

If you’re interested in starting a HKRS program in your town, you deserve a standing ovation! To learn more about the first steps, please visit our Start a Race page, or fill out this brief application to speak with a start a race team member. As you set your eyes on the prize, just remember that the deadline for adding a spring location is December 1st and the deadline for fall is June 1st!

We look forward to speaking with you and cheering you on!

Only our Full Series (5 weeks) registrants are guaranteed to receive the official HKRS t-shirt. Single Race competitors are offered shirts while supplies last.

We are always recruiting all-star volunteers to lead stretching, help with registration/check-in, and marshal the course. If you’re interested in stepping up as a volunteer, please contact your local Community Coordinator whose contact information is available on the Find a Race page here.

Becoming a partner of HKRS really is a win, win for both large and small businesses. It offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to reach parents and families on a more personal level. Our partners succeed in assimilating their brand into our communities, developing personal relationships with our families and driving business back to their storefronts; all while positively changing the communities in which we live. What can we say; we make a great teammate!

To learn more about our awesome program and how to become a sponsor, please visit our Sponsor Page!

You can be high-fiving and fist-pumping within 24-72 hours of the race by checking the “Results” tab under “Find a Race” in the header of our website. Scroll over the Results link, and click the season you’re looking for in the drop-down menu. Then select the location of your child’s medal-worthy performance.

You did it! And we’re so proud of you. All runners will receive an official HKRS participation medal at the end of the last race!

Some participants may receive a trophy based on points earned throughout the Series. Depending on the total number of runners some divisions may award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies, some may only award 1st. This varies by location and can change from one season to the next. Some locations also only begin awarding trophies when runners reach the timed races (1/4 mile and up). Please contact your local Community Coordinator for the specific trophy policy in your town.

Show us what you’ve got! Please email us! info@healthykidsrunningseries.org

Facebook:     www.facebook.com/HealthyKidsRunning

Twitter:          www.twitter.com/HealthyKidsRS

Instagram:     www.instagram.com/HealthyKidsRS

LinkedIn:       www.linkedin.com/company/healthy-kids-running-series

We love the dedication! But no, HKRS doesn’t offer training outside of our five-week race series. The Community Coordinator and our volunteers will encourage kids to pace themselves and improve their times, but there are no practices at HKRS. Each race is it’s own learning experience!

We love that Get Up And Go spirit! For location-specific questions (dates, location, start time, t-shirts, packet pick up, results, etc.) please go to the Find A Race page to find your local race. At the bottom of the race page is the contact info for the local Community Coordinator who will be able to answer any questions about that race.

For general questions, or to reach the National Office, email info@healthykidsrunningseries.org or call us 1-855-213-2144