Six Reasons Parents Dig the Kids Run

Parents, it’s time for your youngsters to #RunWithTheMarines. Registration is now open for the MCM Kids Run presented by Virginia529 on Saturday, October 27 in the Pentagon North Parking Lot. It’s a one mile, just-for-fun run for kids ages 5-12. This is the perfect combination of a positive energy, physical activity and free giveaways. Even though your family is focused on the final quarter of the school year, it’s never too early to plug an activity into the fall calendar by registering for the Kids Run.

For kids, the reason to run is obvious–this is an all-out, push yourself challenge where you receive a medal from a Marine at the finish.

For parents, there are six big reasons to register early for MCM Kids Run.

1- Easy on the piggybank. Registration for the MCM Kids Run is just $6 per child with savings from the Next Generation Inspiration Initiative. Consider all your young runner will receive: a shirt, bib, medal, hospitality and entertainment, plus positive encouragement from the United States Marine Corps. No Groupon could beat that deal.

2- Any time is a good time. The MCM Kids Run boasts nine different start times for parents to best incorporate the event into what is probably a busy schedule. Groups of 400 runners will run the mile starting with the 9 a.m. wave and continue at regular intervals until 11:40 a.m.

3- You don’t have to pack snacks. Your runner will receive a snack bag at the finish including healthy treats for replenishment after the run. There are even nut allergy-specific snack bags.

4- Makin’ memories. Face painting, free activities, moonbounces, selfies with mascots and a digital dance party make the time before and after the run extra fun. The free family festival area is open to runners, siblings, parents and friends to join in on interactive challenges and games focusing on health and fitness. Activities will be hosted by Fit Arlington, Virginia529, Navy Federal Credit Union and others.

5- Reward your school. Sign up to run with friends and classmates as part of the Healthy School Award program. Instead of just signing up as a family, register as a school group. The top five schools bringing the most students to the MCM Kids Run will be presented the Healthy School Award, a monetary prize given to the physical education departments by MCM partner, Sodexo. For more information about school group participation, contact the MCM Community Relations Coordinator.

6- The Marines. Uniformed Marines help lead warmups before the run, are stationed along the route, positioned at the finish to present medals and there to coordinate Family Link Up. With motivation and enthusiasm, the Marines can be seen running with the kids, sometimes for the entire mile. Other times, they join the young runners for the final stretch when an extra push is needed.

The MCM Kids Run is a wholly positive experience for the entire family and a great way to introduce running to the youngest members of your family. Registration is now open.

Thanks for visiting this archived blog. The content and details are specific only for the event year highlighted in this article. For current information, please visit the event page within the MCM website.