SOUTHWICK-For one Tolland woman, bringing the joy of running to young people in the region begins with the first step.
“In my early years I used to run track,” said Andi DeSanto, an elementary and middle school teacher who shared her love of the sport over the years with her students.
Beginning April 28 for five weeks, DeSanto is launching Healthy Kids Running Series Southwick at Whalley Park, 42 Powdermill Road. Race dates also include May 5, 12, 19 and 26. All events begin at 4 p.m. 
The Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) is a national, community based nonprofit – now in its 10th year – which provides a fun, five-week running program for ages 2 to 14 that lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle through goal setting and dedication, according to DeSanto.
“I chose to bring this program to the area because I have two young kids and there are not a lot of options for them,” said DeSanto, who is serving as community coordinator of the series. “These races are kid appropriate and it is a nice community event.”
The running series takes place once a week and offers race distances that are age appropriate. Kids will compete each week for a chance to earn points, and at the end of the series, the top boy and girl with the most points in their respective age division earns a trophy.
“All participants receive a finishers medal, race bag and Healthy Kids Running Series shirt for their achievements courtesy of our sponsors,” said DeSanto, noting that registration is underway online at https://healthykidsrunningseries.org/race-locations/southwick/. A nonrefundable fee of $35 covers the cost for the series.
A race bag pick up will be conducted April 20, starting at 10 a.m., at Fast Feet, Inc., 231 Elm St., West Springfield, for all participants. If people are unable to pick up the race bag on April 20, the bags will also be available on April 28.
“We already have 61 kids registered and there is no limit to how many kids can sign up,” said DeSanto, adding that kids from across the region can participate. “There is, however, a registration deadline of April 7 to guarantee a shirt size.”
DeSanto noted that registration can also take place on the first race day.
The race divisions and distances include: pre-kindergarten, 2-3 year olds, 50-yard dash; pre-kindergarten, 4-5 year olds, 75-yard dash; kindergarten and first grade, 1/4 mile; second and third grades, 1/2 mile; fourth and fifth grades, 1 mile; sixth to eighth grades, 1 mile.
For children unable to attend all of the races, there is an option of paying $10 for each race that is run.
To ensure the program’s success, DeSanto is in need of approximately 18 volunteers in a variety of “super easy” roles, from group leaders, course marshals, a results keeper, and a starter, to persons helping to set up and take down the course, work the registration table, and a person to serve as timer as well as someone to log the times on a spread sheet. Also, volunteers will be needed as finish line helpers, as well as to stand around the course to keep kids in line. Lastly, an overall volunteer coordinator will round out the helpers needed to assist DeSanto and her husband Mike in this new endeavor.
“We try to target local high schools and Westfield State University track runners,” said DeSanto, adding that the volunteer opportunities are a “short commitment” of once a week for five weeks and does not require more than two hours of time each week.
“For our group leaders, we ask that they instruct kids on stretches first and give them a pep talk before they run,” said DeSanto, adding, “we want to get the kids excited about the race.”
DeSanto noted that the races “happen fast” and volunteer opportunities are available for one or all of the races.
“We need to line up our volunteers as soon as possible since we need to work on our logistics planning,” said DeSanto, noting that volunteers can go online for more details or email her at
“We are also thankful to our sponsors and welcome more,” said DeSanto, noting at press time she has commitments from Gran-Val Scoop, Pediatric Associates of Hampden County, Fast Feet, Inc., Macaroni Kid – Westfield-Southwick, Westfield Bank, Hulafrog, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the YMCA of Greater Westfield.
“Thanks to Dick’s Sporting Goods, we have $10 bonus certificates as a thank you to our generous volunteers that come out and help at our races,” said DeSanto.
“Healthy Kids Running Series is designed to combat the increasing rates of child obesity in America,” said Jeff Long, founder, HKRS, in a statement. “My goal is to motivate and inform kids to be healthy and active. We are providing a fun environment to improve their self-esteem and inspire them to adopt a ‘Get Up and Go’ attitude. The support and growth of our series have confirmed our value and mission.”
Since its founding, more than 50,000 kids participate in more than 200 Healthy Kids Running Series nationwide. For more information on HKRS, visit www.HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org.
