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I spent a good deal of my childhood watching TV.  Probably many of you can relate.  From that I've had a life-long battle with finding a healthy weight and all of the self-esteem issues that go along with it.  When I was in my early 20's, friends & colleagues challenged me to run the Riverbank Run...something I never thought I would or could do.  But with the encouragement and accountability of these friends, I managed to complete the race!  Now I know the value of support and friendship and exercise, especially for kids, and that is why I am proud to help sponsor the Grand Rapids Kids Marathon.
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The basic premise is that kids will run/walk during the weeks preceeding the Grand Rapids Marathon.  Then, on race day, all of the kids will converge on downtown Grand Rapids and complete their last 1.2 miles on an official race course.  All kids will get a medal.  Click here for the details.  It is NOT too late to start.

We did this last year as a family and I'm glad to say you'll see us there again this year.  Would you please consider joining us?  If you and your family will be participating,leave a comment.  It would be awesome to get a grkids.com crowd down there on 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2009!
 


Comments

Brenda Buckner

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:23:45

I trained with my daughter last year but due to me being late in a pregnancy, she only finished 15 miles prior to the race and my husband ran the final 1.2 miles with her as I watched with my 5 day old daughter. This year we will definately complete the training and I will be running it with her!

 

Catalina Busch

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:58:35

Last year I found out about this...I walked with a screaming 3 year old & a my 9 month old in a stroller! My son was overwhelmed by the crowd, as we did not expect SO many people! However, once he got his metal he was SO proud of himself! It is torture to get him to actually walk the practice miles during the week, but we try to walk at Meijer Gardens or the zoo to keep us entertained while we move! My husband takes him to the nature center as well! He is still a little young - but, I know that when he gets that metal this year...that big smile will be present! In time, he will get to enjoy the experience and take it all in! Heck - it gets us all out of the house and getting some calories burned too! ☺

 

Kim

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:18:00

Last year my then 7 year old daughter trained for this with her girl scout troop. She thought she'd never be able to run that far. She did though, while I walked with her 2 year old brother. She's very excited to run this year again!

 

Marathon Don Kern

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:14:10

Hey Kids, it's Marathon Don--

We're excited to have you all out to run with us. Don't forget to do your training miles, and when you get past 10 on your logsheet, head over to Gazelle Sports for half-off on a new pair of running shoes!

My medals guy has assured me that we'll have your finisher's medal on time, and that it's REALLY COOL! You're gonna love it.

Keep running, and I'll SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE on October 17th!

and the adventure continues....
Don Kern
Race Director

 



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