5K, Fun Run, Walk to Highlight Healthy Kids Day

The Marion Family YMCA is sponsoring a free 5K or one mile fun run/walk on April 12, 2014 at 8:00AM.  The run will be at “The Marion Campus” and sponsored by Marion Technical College and The Ohio State University at Marion located on St. Rt. 95. The first 100 kids registered will receive a free t-shirt and participation ribbon.

This is a free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, features this free 5K or one mile run to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at nearly 1,600 Ys across the country, aims to get more kids moving and learning, so they can keep up the habit all summer long – a critical out-of-school time for kids’ health. Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year.

“One in three U.S. children is obese. This statistic, coupled with the fact that once summer hits, children will be more idle, demonstrates why it’s important to help families develop healthy habits now,” said Heather Wright, Wellness Director.  As part of the Y’s commitment to healthy living, through YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day our goal is to improve the health and well-being of kids and inspire habits they can continue into adulthood.”

In celebration of YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y offers the following tips to help families develop healthy habits:

• High Five the Fruits and Veggies – Make sure kids get at least five servings a day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend to maintain healthy childhood development.
• Foster an Early and Ongoing Passion for Books – Read to and with your kids. Help children read at every age and every stage of their development.
• Team Up for Athletic Events – Set a family goal of great health by teaming up for community or charity events like races, walks, fun runs. Bike rides, etc.
• Volunteer Together – Find a cause that matters to the kids. Open their eyes to a world beyond themselves and the rich rewards that come from making a difference.
• Lead By Example – Be a good role model – kids can be influenced by seeing how hard their parents work at home or on the job, and how rewarding that experience is.

The Marion Family YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day takes place at Marion Technical College and The Ohio State University Marion at The Marion Campus at 8:00AM.  Parents can register their children at the Marion Family YMCA or the day of the event beginning at 7:00AM.  The first 100 kids registered will receive a free t-shirt and participation ribbon.  Adults may run/walk with their children.  This event is for Y members and non members.

For more information, contact Heather Wright at 740-725-9622 or visit www.marionymca.com.