Bright sunshine and cooling breezes created a perfect race day for dozens of families gathered Sunday for the opening of the Healthy Kids Running Series at Foundation Academies‘ Knights Field.
The 5-week program (April 14-May 12) features races for preschool through middle school runners at 3 p.m. Sunday at Foundation Academies, 363 W. State St. Families can sign-up on the Healthy Kids Running Series website (healthykidsrunningseries.org).
“We’re excited to welcome Healthy Kids Run to Knights Field,” said FA CEO Sheria McRae. “I love that we can provide outdoor play space for our scholars and our community.”
Foundation Academies is Mercer County’s only K-12 free public charter school, enrolling more than 1,000 scholars in Trenton. Healthy Kids Running Series is a national, community-based non-profit providing opportunities for children to get active, build confidence and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
Healthy Kids Running Series – Trenton Community Coordinator Makenzie Kelly is an educator and an advocate for healthy living.
“The idea is to get kids outside running, engaging with others, and having fun while staying healthy.” said Ms. Kelly. “I hope this creates an outlet where kids and their families can develop and extend their love for being active.”
Dozens of families gathered April 14 to pick up t-shirts for the runners, enjoy free snacks, and have fun on the playground before the first race began. Runners did laps around the turf field, while families and volunteers cheered as they sprinted across the finish line.
The program launched with support from West Ward Councilwoman Teska Frisby. “When we were growing up, we all played outside – jumped rope, played stickball and kickball,” she said “Now kids are on their phones, ipads or computers. This program is important for our children because outside play and exercise are important for their health – and their life.”
FA is proud to partner with HKRS, a national, community-based non-profit that shares the school’s commitment to building confidence and self-esteem. FA’s Elementary School features a mural including Olympic champion runner Athing Mu, a Trenton native, to inspire scholars.
“Friendly competition provides a good opportunity to show children fun ways to be active and stay healthy,” noted Mrs. McRae, who ran track in high school and now coaches an FA Elementary School running club. “Running teaches you to persevere despite the obstacles.”
