The Princeton Kids Marathon is a 10-week training program presented by Community Connection of Princeton HealthCare in which kids walk, run, or roll in a wheelchair 2.5 miles a week at their own pace. They then gather on race day, Sunday, June 10, to complete the last 1.2 miles of the marathon together.
The annual event promotes health and fitness in children while engaging them in a fun activity that hopes to promote a lifetime of physical activity and community involvement. With childhood obesity and the ensuing health problems growing, the organizers seek to address this issue with a fitness activity that is easy for children, families, and the community at large.
Participants receive incentive prizes for every five miles completed prior to race day and can track their progress and receive training tips online. They also are encouraged to complete 26 green deeds — from planting a tree to using reusable shopping bags — and to identify sponsors who will help them raise funds for the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro’s Outpatient Pediatric Clinic.
Two former New York Giants players and Super Bowl champions will run with the more than 500 schoolchildren in the marathon on Sunday, June 10. Stephen Baker “The Touchdown Maker” along with five-time Pro-Bowler Bart Oats will join the children at Princeton University stadium to complete the last 1.2 miles of the marathon.
“We are thrilled that these players will be taking to the track with the kids and cheering them on every step of the way,” said Pam Cipriano, Community Connection manager. “These guys are role models and are setting a positive example for kids about the importance of staying active.”
Nearly 475 children from about 75 schools are signed up to participate. Participating schools in West Windsor and Plainsboro include Millstone River, Dutch Neck Elementary, Maurice Hawk Elementary, Town Center Elementary, Thomas Grover Middle, Wicoff Elementary, Community Middle, and New Horizons Montessori.
Although training for the Kids Marathon has already started, children in grades kindergarten through eighth may still register for the 1.2-mile fun run. Visit www.princetonkidsmarathon.org or call 609-216-2192.
In addition to the Kids Marathon, Community Connection will also host its annual 10K adult race on Sunday, June 10. More than 230 runners have already registered.
Princeton Kids Marathon, Princeton HealthCare System, Palmer Stadium, Princeton University. Sunday, June 10, 8 a.m. The final 1.2 miles followed by family-centered activities and refreshments. Register online. 888-897-8979 or www.princetonkidsmarathon.org.
10K Race, Princeton HealthCare System, Palmer Stadium, Princeton University. Sunday, June 10, 8:30 a.m. The course will wind through the tree lined streets of Princeton, in a residential area adjacent to Lake Carnegie. The race finishes on the Princeton University running track adjacent to Palmer Stadium. Register online. $25. 888-897-8979 or www.active.com.
