Kids marathon registration open

Registration is now open for the Princeton HealthCare Kids Marathon — a 26.2-mile run completed over 10 weeks, culminating in a final, festive sprint on the Princeton University campus.

The marathon, presented by the Auxiliary of University Medical Center of Princeton, encourages children to tackle 2.5 miles each week starting March 20 — the first day of spring — leading up to a final, 1.2-mile fun run on June 6 at Princeton University.

Participants are offered a variety of ways to go the distance — jogging, playing youth sports like baseball and soccer, walking to school, and more. Children with disabilities are also encouraged to enter. Participants receive small prizes every two weeks that mark each five miles conquered, and encourage them onward to their goal.

“The Kids Marathon is designed to promote good health and help children incorporate fitness into their daily routines,” Amy Rabner, event co-chair, said. “We all know that obesity is a growing problem among school-aged children with serious and lifelong consequences. The time to start building healthy habits is now.”

Participants are also helping to raise funds for the Pediatric Clinic at University Medical Center at Princeton. Each child is encouraged to find 10 sponsors to contribute $1 per mile (a $26 pledge).

The kids marathon is open to children in grades K-8. A $25 registration fee includes a T-shirt, a commemorative medal, prizes for every five miles logged, as well as goodie bags, snacks and Mylar blankets.

For more information or to register, visit www.princetonkidsmarathon.org/ or call the auxiliary at 609-497-4069.