06 May 2015 Kids Run Arkansas has record-setting year

More participants and schools were represented than previously in this year’s seventh annual Kids Run Arkansas held April 17 at Laurel Park in Conway.

Presented by Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center, the 1-mile and 3-mile run/walk is for kids of all ages.

About 745 participants and families turned out for the event which included face painting, games and more leading up to a 1-mile and 3-mile run/walk. There was no chip timing as Kids Run Arkansas strives to promote fun and fitness in youth and family.

“Kids Run Arkansas is a great way for families to spend an evening being active together,” said Mallory Lefler, race director. “Childhood obesity in Arkansas continues to increase, so what better way to celebrate fitness and fun than with Kids Run Arkansas?”

Participants received a finisher medal sponsored by The Arkansas Governor’s Council on Fitness, a post-race goody bag and refreshments.

Kids Run Arkansas also offers an incentive for local schools with scholarships awarded to the top schools with the highest percentage of participation.

“Most importantly, we were able to award a total of $4,600 to six local schools for their physical education programs!” said organizer Amanda Castillo, adding that $1,300 was awarded last year.

Forty-one schools representing seven different counties participated. The top six schools with the highest percentage of participation and those awarded scholarships for their physical education program were St. Joseph, $1,600; Woodrow Cummins, $1,000; Jim Stone, $800; Theodore Jones, $600; Ellen Smith, $400; and Conway Christian, $200.

Kids Run Arkansas was established in 2008. Last year, 36 schools from six counties throughout Central Arkansas participated.

For more information, call Lefler at 501.450.9292 ext. 309.