15 Apr 2015 Nearly 700 sign up for Kids Run Arkansas

Registration is still under way for the seventh annual Kids Run Arkansas planned Friday in Conway.

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

The event, which will be held at Laurel Park in Conway, offers fun for the entire family, including face painting, games and more leading up to the 1-mile and 3-mile run/walk at 6 p.m. This event is open to kids of all ages and parents. There is 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?”

Registration is $10 per child and includes a finisher medal, post-race goody bag and refreshments. A registration form is available at conwayregional.org/ClassesPrograms.

Kids Run Arkansas was established in 2008 with registration increasing from 209 to nearly 750 in 2014. Last year, 36 schools and six counties throughout Central Arkansas participated. Kids Run Arkansas has also branched out to Cabot and Jonesboro in the past and is adding Saline County for 2016.

“We have no doubt that this year will be bigger and better than ever,” said Lefler. “Last year, more than 750 kids participated, so we anticipate an even bigger number this year. I want to encourage and invite all family members to participate!”

The finisher’s medal is sponsored by The Arkansas Governor’s Council on Fitness. “We are excited and thankful that the Arkansas Governor’s Council donated funds so we could purchase finisher medals,” said Lefler. “It will be exciting and rewarding for every child to receive a medal and know that they worked hard and crossed the finish line for this award.”

Kids Run Arkansas also offers an incentive for local schools. Scholarships are awarded to the top three schools with the highest percentage of participation to use for its physical education program.

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