Most kids enjoy running around the playground or participating in sports that involve short bursts of activity. Longer distances like a 5K are often not appropriate for younger kids or those who are new to running, so a Kids Run can be the perfect introduction to race day.
The McCourt Foundation includes Kids Runs as part of all of its races: the Santa Monica Classic, Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, and LA 5K. Each Kids Run is less than a half mile and welcomes children ages 3 to 8 to participate and earn a medal. In fact, a child who participates in all three Kids Runs can earn a special Kids Run LA Challenge Medal.
Kids Runs are short, fun, and designed to give young children a chance to experience all the excitement of a larger race in a smaller, less competitive setting alongside their peers. Plus, a parent or guardian can run alongside their child, which can help ease any race-day nerves while making the experience a fun family activity.
Whether your child is a first-time racer or has participated in several Kids Runs, here are some tips to help make race day a success:
PUT IN SOME TRAINING
In the weeks leading up to the event, head out a few times to practice running or walking for a sustained amount of time. Five to 10 minutes is generally a good goal when preparing for a Kids Run. No need to run the entire time - try incorporating some run/walk intervals.
FUEL UP
Kids Runs start later in the morning, well after the main event. Encourage your child to eat a good breakfast, then pack snacks such as fresh fruit, a half sandwich, pretzels, and water to enjoy while waiting. Running on an empty stomach is tough for all of us.
PLAN THEIR CLOTHING
Make sure your child knows that it’s safest to run in sneakers. Tie or secure them tightly. You wouldn't believe how many shoes fall off mid-run!
Every child participant will receive a t-shirt that they can wear on race day, but layering is also a good idea since chilly mornings can warm up quickly. Beyond that, have some fun with athletic wear. Tutus, sweatbands, costumes, sparkles and anything else that makes your child feel happy and comfortable are all welcome.
DECIDE: RUN TOGETHER OR SOLO
TMF Kids Runs allow one parent or guardian to run alongside their child, which can be especially helpful for kids under 6. The rest of the family can cheer from along the course.
Older children may want to run on their own, and that's OK too. Just be sure you and your child discuss the plan ahead of time, including what to do if you get separated - this can happen when kids get a burst of speed and leave their parents behind! Make sure everyone knows what to expect and where to meet afterward.
KNOW THE START TIME
Read the final information which will be sent to your email the week leading up to event day. This way you will know exactly when and where the Kids Run starts. Allow plenty of time to pick up your child's bib and walk to the start line.
Once you have the bib, head toward the start line about 10 to 15 minutes before your child's start time. Arriving too early can mean a lot of waiting around and restlessness, while arriving too late could mean missing important announcements and fun warm-ups.
Keep in mind that TMF Kids Runs use wave starts every five minutes. If your child is younger, their start time may be a little later.
HAVE FUN
We parents can get pretty competitive, but Kids Runs are not timed and do not offer awards. Emphasize the fun in Fun Run! Running isn’t necessary – you can walk, skip, dance or jog. Whatever gets you and your child to the finish line with a smile is a win. And don't worry if there are a few tears along the way. Running can bring up lots of emotions, especially when it's a new experience.
CELEBRATE
#MedalMonday is for kids too! Encourage your child to wear their medal or ribbon all day, or even bring it to school. Find a special place to display it in their room. Completing a Kids Run is a big deal, and it's worth celebrating.
The goal isn't to run the fastest or go the farthest. It's to give your child a positive first experience with race day and help them discover how much fun it can be to cross a finish line.