Healthy Kids Running Series

NORWALK — Healthy Kids Running Series is a national youth running experience for children ages 2 to 14. According to Jill Van Dresser, community co-coordinator, the running series is "a national inclusive and fun youth running experience, inspiring kids to believe in themselves and lead an active healthy lifestyle." It is a safe, five-week in-person spring running series featuring once-a-week racing at Sofios Park. "My husband and I decided to bring Healthy Kids to Norwalk after taking our own kids to Medina to participate in both a fall and spring series there," Van Dresser said. "Our kids absolutely loved it. We saw them gain more confidence in themselves each week. It has been so rewarding to see the participants not only improve their times each week, but to also use running as a way to teach them perseverance, mental toughness, keeping a positive attitude and sportsmanship." The event begins April 18 and ends May 16 with May 23 scheduled as a make-up date if needed. The children compete in their designated age or grade level division and each child will receive a T-shirt and a medal. The races are as follows: Pre2-3 year olds — 50 yard dash Pre4-5 year olds — 75 yard dash Kindergarten/1st grade — 1/4 mile 2nd/3rd grade — 1/2 mile 4th-8th grade — 1 mile Due to social distancing guidelines and to keep families safe, there will be assigned heats for larger sized race groups. Registration is now open at HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org. Any proceeds are reinvested back into the program to enhance the series. Many in the community have been very supportive including a core group of volunteers who help run a smooth event. Several local businesses have also sponsored the event, including Norwalk Concrete Industries, Tonia Maxwell Agency-All State, Frank Van Dresser Team — Re/Max Quality Realty, Junior Explorers Child Development Center, James D. Kasten MD, Inc., Dr. Bart Colahan, D.D.S., Brian Smith Group — Union Home Mortgage and Stein, Olsen, & Stang. Local business owners who would like to become sponsors can do so by emailing the Van Dressers at hkrsnorwalk@gmail.com. Van Dresser stated, "it's so important for children to be leading active, healthy lifestyles, especially after this past year where so many things were cancelled and people were staying home so much more, and we hope that this series can be a catalyst for kids to embrace that lifestyle."