A family fun run in the spring sun not only warms us up physically, but warms us up to the idea of getting outside again to exercise. Involving your kids in setting and achieving a fitness goal can be a very rewarding experience.
There are countless health and wellness benefits to exercising together. It also offers a chance to bond and be a positive role model for your child, helping you establish healthy habits that will hopefully last beyond the day’s workout.
The mantra for working out with your kids shouldn’t be “no pain, no gain.” There are plenty of local runs in the spring that offer a terrific opportunity to have some fun, too. Many events have kids’ dashes or family walks. Start small, be encouraging, and do a little more activity each outing; you’ll be ready for one of these events in no time.
Carry 5 Walk for Water
Sunday, May 5: A fundraiser for Water 1st International, families will carry water in support of communities in need of clean water. The event takes place at Seattle Center, where participants will fill their containers with water from the International Fountain and try to carry it for five kilometers (the average walk made by people in poor countries who lack access to water).
Soaring Eagle Race in Sammamish
Saturday, May 18: The Soaring Eagle race will take you from traffic in the city to trails in the woods with three distances including 5k, 10k and half-marathon. They will be offering free kids’ races at all of the events (register your child during the registration process for your own race or sign them up later). This is a fun singletrack and wid doubletrack, very flat and 0.5 miles long.
Kirkland Half Marathon Kids Dash
Sunday, May 10: As part of the Kirkland Half Marathon, children can run in a free kids’ dash, learn about the Hope Heart Institute’s Kids Take Heart program and taste test a variety of healthy foods at the PCC Kid Picks Mobile.
Blossom Kids Run & 5k
Saturday, March 30th: This annual run at the UW campus with views of the cherry trees is a good reason to get out and go on a run. They offer a Blossom Kids Run where kids can run/sprint through the Quad,
Beat the Bridge
Saturday, May 18: It’s a great cause – juvenile diabetes – and a great event. Older kids might want to try and beat the University Bridge before it raises in the 8K race. Or, choose the 4-mile family walk, the 1-mile fun run, or the “diaper derby” for toddlers.
Magnuson Series
Saturdays, April 20 and June 15: This series of events has participants running around the scenic Magnuson Park. Your little ones can do the 200 or 400 meter kid’s run, or do the 5K with you.
Want to plan for something further on in the summer? Visit http://search.active.com and search for “fun runs” by city or state.
