Run one mile, then another, then another, and little-by-little you’ll run the Med-City Kids’ Marathon.
Kids in kindergarten through grade eight run 25 miles prior to race day, then run the final 1.2 miles on race day. The final mile begins and ends outside the Mayo Civic Center.
"That’s one of the big changes this year, we’re starting at the Civic Center," says race co-coordinator Darald Bothun, referring to the change in location from past year’s Silver Lake track. "We’re also opening the race up to kindergartners, that’s the other big change."
Kids run the first 25 miles in the weeks leading up to the marathon. Some run the miles at home, running with parents or siblings.
"I’ve had parents tell me that when they train with their kids, that it’s a huge opportunity to talk and visit with their kids," says Bothun, who, along with Steve Myhro, started the Med-City Kids’ Marathon.
ADVERTISEMENT
Others put in the miles at school, in a school-sponsored running program.
"Buildings get involved at different levels," Bothun says. "Sometimes it’s an entire school (participating in the running program). Sometimes it’s a phy ed teacher or a classroom teacher."
According to race organizers, more than 3,000 students ran in preparation for the event last year, with more than 400 participating in the final 1.2-mile finish.
"It’s all about goal setting, improved fitness and, bottom line, having fun," Bothun says.
And, of course, there’s the shiny medal the kids receive at the end of the end of the marathon.
The Med-City Kids' Marathon is sponsored by the Rochester Track Club. Students must register prior to marathon day; there's no race-day registration. Go online to download a mail-in registration form, training tips, a running log, and a map of the new race route. No registration fee. Final 1.2 miles will be canceled if there's inclement weather.
