Healthy Kids Running Series seeking participants

Healthy Kids Running Series is seeking participants for its program in Willoughby.

HKRS is a national, community-based nonprofit which provides a fun, fiveweek running program for ages 2-14 that gets kids active, feel accomplished and lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle, according to a news release.

The first race commences at 4 p.m., on April 7, at Andrews Osborne Academy, 38588 Mentor Ave. The races continue on Sunday afternoons April 21 and 28 and May 5 and 12.

The HKRS is open to all children ages 2-14 regardless of school affiliation or area of residence.

Each Healthy Kids Running Series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate race distances. Kids compete each week for a chance to earn points, and at the end of the series, the top boy and girl with the most points in their respective age division earn a trophy, the news release stated.

All participants receive a finishers medal, race bag and Healthy Kids Running Series tech shirt.

“Healthy Kids Running Series is designed to combat the increasing rates of child obesity in America,” said HKRS founder Jeff Long, in the release. “My goal is to motivate and inform kids to be healthy and active. We are providing a fun environment to improve their self-esteem and inspire them to adopt a ‘Get Up and Go’ attitude.”

HKRS Director Tamara Conan agreed that the series is about having fun and encouraging kids to remain active.

“Our goal is to provide a fun and positive experience for every participant and see them improve over the five weeks,” she said in the release

Over 44,000 kids participate in more than 200 Healthy Kids Running Series nationwide.

To register a child, volunteer or become a sponsor, visit www.HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org.