Kids Run RVA's Call Federal Marathon, Jr. named Youth Running Event of the Year
Kids Run RVA, an initiative of Sports Backers, was honored with the award for Youth Running Event of the Year for the Call Federal Marathon, Jr. kids run, recognizing it as the best youth running event in the country. The award was announced February 10th in New Orleans at the annual Running USA industry conference.
The award is part of Running USA’s youth initiatives, which include three main goals for 2014-15: advocate the benefits of youth running, collaborate to combat obesity, and support family and youth running programs.
Held on October 25, 2014 at Byrd Park, the Call Federal Marathon, Jr. featured a half-mile and a one-mile run along with a festival featuring activities for participants and their families. The event drew over 1,070 local children in its third year, which was a registration record and an increase of 36 percent over previous years. It is part of the Anthem Richmond Marathon and welcomes participants from many school and community running clubs that are supported by Kids Run RVA throughout the Richmond region.
Call Federal Credit Union, the title sponsor of the Call Federal Marathon, Jr., recently announced that the partnership will continue for the 2015 event. “We are passionate about our local community and proud to support valued partners like Sports Backers who make our Richmond community a healthier place,” said Roger Ball, President and CEO of Call Federal. “We are delighted by the recognition of the Call Federal Marathon, Jr., and look forward to another successful event this October.”
“Our students look forward to this race every year,” said Teresa Kessler, Physical Education teacher at Lakeside Elementary School in Henrico. “We had 90 students sign up to participate and they loved it. Our parents rave about how much their children enjoy the race, being able to be with their friends, hear the crowd cheering for them, and crossing the finish line feeling great about themselves!”
The Call Federal Marathon, Jr. is a great celebration of fun and fitness and is a key part of Kids Run RVA’s mission: promoting physical activity to youth across the Richmond region and encouraging more kids to get moving more often. With its programs and events, Kids Run RVA instills healthy habits that continue to flourish into adolescence and adulthood. Over 12,000 school-aged kids participate in Kids Run RVA initiatives throughout the year, and the programs instill a passion for physical activity and an active lifestyle while helping to reverse the growing trend of childhood obesity.
“Event day is an exciting occasion for everyone – coaches, parents, Kids Run RVA staff and volunteers, but most importantly, for the young runners participating,” said Faith Hecht, Youth Programs Coordinator for Sports Backers. “They have set and achieved a goal, and we hope that will encourage setting future goals in both running and life. The smiles and joy of seeing these young athletes come across the finish line is priceless.”
Kids Run RVA also works to design special training programs for kids, with their health and energy in mind, and the Kids Run RVA grant programs help to get additional schools and kids running by providing funding for everything from new sneakers to discounted event entries. For more information on Kids Run RVA and the Call Federal Marathon, Jr., visit www.sportsbackers.org.
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