The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Fun run kicks off children’s race series
Families gathered Sunday for a race promoting children’s health at Lorain County Metro Parks - Mercy Health Amherst Healthplex at 47160 Hollstein Drive in Amherst. “The race is part of our ‘Kids Fun Run’ series,” said Ryan Ladd, facilities coordinator at the healthplex. “It’s a series of six races throughout the year, this being the first, that have kids coming out and getting some quality exercise.” Ladd said the series is an attempt to get children involved in physical fitness. “It presents a fun activity that motivates them to get up and active,” he said. “The races are held outdoors, so it also gets them outside.” Ladd said each race has a different theme. “I feel the themes are also a draw,” he said. “This particular race is ‘Run for the Rainbow’ which is themed for St. Patrick’s Day, so we have had some kids dressed up in green with some shamrocks.” Ladd said the event is great for the whole family. “We also have parents that run around with some of the younger kids,” he said. “The event is for ages 12 and under, so it allows for a good number of participants. We also encourage participants by giving medals away for kids who finish four of the six ‘Fun Runs.’ This is the third time we have done this particular race. The last two years we had an average of 32 participants. This year we had 120.” Ladd said the next race, “Mini Marathon” will be April 14 with the other races taking place May 12, Sept. 8, Oct. 20 and Nov. 10. All races will be at the Amherst Healthplex, and all will have registration starting at 11:30 a.m. and the races starting at 12:10 p.m. Ladd said there will also be races for adults this summer. “‘The Tree Trotter 5K Series,’ is a similar series for adults where we have three races in three different Lorain County Metro Park locations,” he said. “The first one will be at 10:30 a.m. June 2 at Splash Zone (95 W. Hamilton St., Oberlin), the second will be at 9 a.m. July 13 at Kopf Family Reservation (32649 Electric Boulevard, Avon Lake) and the third will be at 9 a.m. Aug. 17 at French Creek Reservation (4540 French Creek Road, Sheffield Village).”