Local Program Encourages Kids to Get Out and Run
By: Pat Loeb
April 4, 2014

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A five-week program to get kids out and moving kicks off Saturday in West Philadelphia.

Kids ages 3-14 can compete in the “Healthy Kids Running Series.” Each age group has its own event — a 50 yard dash for the youngest, up to a mile for the teenagers.

They’ll run it each Saturday morning for five weeks, accumulating points as they go, but founder Jeff Long says it’s not about winning:

“It’s about motivating kids and cheering for kids as much in position one as the last kid in the race.”

Long predicts even kids who don’t like to run will want to join for the fun. For a $5 registration fee, each runner gets a technical shirt and a race bag with prizes.

“Our goal is just to encourage kids to adopt this healthy, active lifestyle and along the way, they’re going to make some friends and increase their self-esteem,” explains Long.

The event starts at 10 a.m. at the Lee Cultural Center Field on Haverford Avenue.