Kids encouraged to run for fun
Siblings Lexi, James and Ben Lymbery-Dickie at last year’s fun run
(CNS Local Life): Organisers of the Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon, set for Sunday, 2 December, are again encouraging kids to take part in the largest primary school running event on island, the 2018 Milo Kids Fun Run. The activity is free and attracted more than 300 kids in 2017.
The fun run allows young participants to cross the same finish line as the adults after an approximate 0.7 mile run from the Government Administration Building, the organisers said in a press release. Kids are also encouraged to work towards completing their own marathon, a quarter mile at a time, by completing a runner’s log.
The marathon log was introduced in 2012 as a way for kids to keep a record of their activity leading up to the fun run. The goal is to have completed a full marathon (26.2 miles) at the end of the run in December, the organisers said. The first 25.5 miles of the marathon can be done by running, walking, swimming and playing sports. Kids can have their parents, PE teacher or another adult sign their log, verifying that they have completed each mile.
This year, sponsor Milo has again donated prizes to encourage children to register and get training early. Every week until the race there will be a random drawing for a prize pack from the list of kids who have already registered. The packs contain an assortment of Milo products and merchandise.
Co-race director Rhonda Kelly of Kelly Holding said that the weekly prizes have encouraged more parents to register their children.
“Last year, the Milo prize packs were well received, and we’re so glad to have that extra incentive once again,” Kelly said. “They definitely give the kids a little extra push to get involved. Having Milo involved and committed to the run enhances both the event and the kids’ race experience, and we want to thank Milo distributor Jacques Scott for their ongoing support of this great activity for our children.”
The popularity of the Kids Fun Run has grown since its first year in 2007, and the number of participating children submitting completed runner’s logs also continues to increase.
“The best part about the runner’s log programme is getting kids up and moving,” Kelly said in the press release. “They’re learning to train for something and staying active; it’s a fun way to motivate and teach discipline.”
The fun run is open to primary school children ages 5 to 11. Registration is free, and students are encouraged to register online and print out an official 2018 runner’s log. Kids registration includes a runner’s bib, T-shirt and a Milo bag.
The race begins at 10:30am at the front of the Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue. The kids will run just over a half a mile to the finish line where they will receive their medals.
Registration for the 2018 Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon, half marathon and team relay is open online, or at the Kelly Holding office.
For more information, email the organisers or call Bev Sinclair on 623-8825
