SOUTHWICK – Registration opened on January 15 for parents to sign up their children for the Healthy Kids Running Series at Whalley Park.
The first event will take place on April 28 from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., followed by races on May 5, May 12, May 19, and May 26, all beginning at 3:30 p.m. The cost to sign up for all five races is $35 and registration is taking place on the registration page of the Healthy Kids Running Series web site.
Andi Desanto, a resident of Tolland, is coordinating a running series in the spring at Whalley Park. (Photo from Andi Desanto)
The running series consists of a 50-yard dash, 75-yard dash, quarter-mile run, half-mile run, and one-mile run. Kids are able to compete each week and can earn points based on what place they come in. At the end of the five weeks, the top boy and the top girl with the most points in their age division are given a trophy.
Founded in 2009 by Pattison Sports Group in Pennsylvania, the Healthy Kids Running Series is a nationwide program that allows children aged two-years-old to 14-years-old to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. The Healthy Kids Running Series is a five-week program in the spring and fall that takes place every Sunday for two hours.
In an effort to bring the running series to the Southwick area, Tolland resident Andi Desanto has signed up to be a Community Coordinator for the Healthy Kids Running Series, who will be the lead organizer for the event. Desanto attended a conference in January in King of Prussia, Penn. where she met with current Community Coordinator’s to learn from them on how to run the event.
In early January, Desanto informed the Westfield News that she sees the Healthy Running Series as a great opportunity for children of all ages.
“You can’t beat that distance for these kids that aren’t active all the time, it’s just a fun event for them to do with their friends,” said Desanto.
Desanto is also looking for businesses to become a sponsor for the events. On the Southwick page of the Healthy Kids Running Series website, it indicates that there are three different options for sponsors and can sign up by clicking on the registration page.
For more information or for any questions about the Healthy Running Series coming to Southwick, contact Desanto at 860-214-0842 or email her at [email protected].
