WESTFIELD-Youth ages 6 to 14 are invited to compete in a free kids race slated for June 23 as part of the larger Westfield Half Marathon – 10K – 5K race.
The race for kids is .75 of a mile and begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield.
The Westfield Half Marathon, formerly the Oleksak Lumber Half Marathon, starts at 9 a.m. The cash prize structure for men and women in the half marathon include $300 for first place; $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. In the 10K and 5K races, the first place winner receives $100, second place, $50, and third place, $25. In addition, all Half Marathon runners will receive a unique medal, short sleeve technical shirt, and access to the post-race party at the Boys and Girls Club. All proceeds raised from the rain or shine event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club.
Matt Hare, athletic director at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, signs up Makayla Brazee and Andrew Navarro for the upcoming free kids race which is open to all youth ages 6 to 14.
“This year the kid’s race is being sponsored by our PAL (Police Athletic/Activities League) program,” said Ashley Orris, program and teen director, Boys and Girls Club. “The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield has been lucky enough to receive a grant from National PAL to allow us to run a PAL Program at our club.”
Orris and athletic director Matt Hare are encouraging and recruiting kids from across the city to participate in the free race – including Andrew Navarro and Makayla Brazee.
“Ashley and Matt said it would be a good experience for me,” said Navarro, 14, an eighth grader at South Middle School, who also enjoys riding his bike on the bike trail. “I am trying to talk some friends into doing the race too.”
Brazee, 12, a sixth grader at South Middle, agreed with those sentiments.
“I wanted to run the race because I love the outdoors and I know how important it is to stay fit,” said Brazee, who plans to also recruit some friends to participate. “I love to do races because it makes me feel stronger.”
Orris said the free race for kids starts at 8:30 a.m. with ages 11 to 14, followed by ages 8 to 10 at 8:35, and ages 6 to 7 starting at 8:38.
“I think that any type of activity that encourages our youth to get off of their electronics and outside participating in physical fitness is important,” said Orris. “Since the race is free, youth have an optimal opportunity to maybe try something that they have never tried before.”
Orris said the starting line is in the parking lot of the Boys and Girls Club, with the majority of the race being in the fields behind the club and Amelia Park Children’s Museum. She added that check-in will take place in front of the museum which is adjacent to the Boys and Girls Club.
The kids race is open to children of all abilities, and trophies will be awarded for the quickest times in the specific age groups.
Parents are also welcome to walk or run with their child if desired.
“We just ask that parents or guardians be mindful of the other kids participating in the race,” said Orris.
For more information on any of the races slated June 23, visit www.westfieldhalf.com or pick up a registration form at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield at 28 West Silver St. All participants in the kids race will receive a free water bottle.
“The race will be a lot of fun and a great way to meet some new friends,” said Orris.
