Anthem Kids’ Marathon Comes to Bristol October 4th!

Jul 6, 2015 | News

The Anthem Kids’ Marathon will be a FREE event offered to children as part of the New Hampshire Marathon on Saturday, October 4th to promote and foster healthy eating and active living among youth.

Here is how the Kids’ Marathon works: All children in grades K – 8 are eligible to participate in the Kids’ Marathon on race day. The goal is for each registered youth participant to complete 25.2 miles of running/walking/activity PRIOR to the Anthem Kids’ Marathon, and then to participate in the race in Bristol, NH to complete the final mile of their “marathon” at the Anthem Kids’ Marathon.

The goal is to encourage kids and their families and friends to become more active. Each child registered will log their first 25.2 miles the weeks prior to the race; turn-in the completed log on race day where they will complete their “final mile”. Kids can run/walk with mom, dad, brother, sister, or friend to log distance in preparation for the race. Parents are highly encouraged to participate by logging miles with their children.

Running can be done anywhere . . . in a neighborhood, at the beach, at the ball field, or a local track. Students need to be sure they are running in a safe place. Parents need to know where their children are when running/walking. Everyone needs to stay safe. The buddy system keeps kids safe and offers encouragement to all. Wear a good pair of sneakers and try to keep one pair just for running. Encourage kids to talk while they run. This will help them maintain an appropriate pace. It is important for kid’s to eat right, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep as part of an overall exercise program as well.

The Tapply-Thompson Community Center is offering a FREE Kids Running Club for any kids grades 1-8 interested in learning about the basics of cross country running. It’s a great way to log miles for the Kids Marathon. The Running Club meets on Tuesdays at 9:30AM and Thursdays at 6:00PM throughout the summer at Kelley Park. If you would like more information contact the TTCC at 603-744-2713.

Race Day is Saturday, October 4, 2014 along with the NH Marathon. Race Start is at the Old Mill Parking Area by the Multi-Use Path in Bristol, NH across from Old Mill Properties. The Kid’s Race begins just after at 9:00 am and check-in will begin at 8:00 am – at Kelley Park in Bristol (kids will be bussed to the start). There will be a celebration immediately following at Kelley Park to recognize this INCREDIBLE achievement for all children who complete the Anthem Kids’ Marathon.

A special marathon medal will be given to each child who brings their COMPLETED training log Race Day!

Pre-Registration deadline to receive a Free T-Shirt & medal for completed log is September 14.

To Pre-register for the Free Anthem Kids Marathon visit the NH Marathon or stop by the Tapply-Thompson Community Center for a registration packet. If you would like more information, please contact the NH Marathon: race@nhmarathon.com or call 744-2713

This year marks the 22nd year of the New Hampshire Marathon and in addition to the new Anthem Kids’ event, offers a full marathon, half-marathon, 10K road race and health walk all at Newfound Lake. NH Marathon Race Director, Dan MacLean is excited about the addition of the Anthem Kids’ Marathon to the NH Marathon events. MacLean shared, “The mission of the NH Marathon is to promote a world class running event and to support area child-centered organizations and we are pleased to add this free youth event to our day. It is an great opportunity to promote physical activity among youth and may inspire some to become lifelong runners.”

Mid-State Health Center wishes all the runners, and particularly the youth participants, the very best success in meeting their health and fitness goals as they prepare to compete in the New Hampshire Marathon and Anthem Kids’ Marathon in October. Mid-State staff will be on hand to volunteer and assist at the Anthem Kids’ Marathon and look forward to cheering on the kids as they cross the finish line!