Special to The Packet
Many children from the Princeton area are expected to log 26.2 miles on their sneakers between now and June 7, thanks to Princeton HealthCare Kids Marathon, a new initiative by the Auxiliary of the University Medical Center at Princeton.
“We’ve created a great way to help parents help their children get fit while supporting their community hospital and helping the environment,” said Amy Rabner, Kids Marathon event co- chair.
Here’s how it works: Children in kindergarten through eighth grade register online to cover 25 miles at their own pace over a 10-week period. They can register and track their progress online and then enlist friends and family members to walk or run with them.
On June 7, the day of the annual 10K Race presented by the Auxiliary, the children will gather at Princeton University Stadium to run the last 1.2 miles together. They will be rewarded for their effort with medals, T- shirts, goody bags and refreshments.
The event is also a fundraiser to benefit the children’s play area at the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro. Children will seek sponsorship from friends and relatives, and children who raises $260 or more will have their names inscribed on a plaque in the play area.
A children’s training session was hosted last week by the Princeton University Track Team at Weaver Track on the campus. The lucky participants are well on their way to achieving their first incentive for completing their first five miles.
One of the track athletes, Jolee VanLuven, captain of the Princeton University Women’s Track Team, said she started running for exercise in the third grade and never stopped. “I hope that these young runners keep at it every day and make running a habit,” she said. Her personal best in the 10K is 34:09.51.
Another runner who turned out to help the youngsters was Reilly Kiernan, a mid-distance runner, who says she considers herself a late starter because she didn’t discover the benefits of running seriously until her freshman year in high school.
“I think younger people view running as more of a punishment. I am here helping with the Kids Marathon because I want children to be excited about the sport and realize that running can be fun and it feels good,” she said.
Parents are endorsing the idea, as well.
Shalu Khanna said her daughter, Ishika, 9, and son, Abhik, 8 are excited about participating.
“We got involved in the Kids Marathon from a flyer sent home from Brunswick Acres, my children’s’ elementary school. I thought it was a great idea, as I am always looking for healthy activities for my kids. My son became hooked on track events at the summer Olympics.”
“I want to run like Usain Bolt!” Abhik said, referring to the Jamaican track star who electrified audiences with his record-breaking performance in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Another parent and event co-chair, Jennifer Mimnaugh, said the event boosted her daughter Shana’s confidence, particularly as she brimmed with pride at how her training log was filling with accomplishments. The shared activity helped mother and daughter feel closer, as well.
“As a parent, when I signed Shana up for her first kids’ marathon in Virginia Beach, I thought: Oh my, this is going to be a pain to get her to train. I was so wrong. It was so much fun!”
Mother and daughter played soccer together after school on Tuesdays. Somewhere in the course of 30 minutes, they would log two or three miles and share countless laughs.
The experience made Ms. Mimnaugh recall her own preparation for a marathon. She agrees with Oprah Winfrey, who said, “If you can run and train for a marathon, you can accomplish anything.”
As a mother, Ms. Mimnaugh liked the lessons the experience taught her child. As the event co-chair, she is happy to spread the enjoyment of running to countless other families.
“Running takes discipline and Shana learned all about that,” she said. “I took this time to show Shana that her body is like a machine and she needs to take care of it. Garbage in, garbage out. You eat healthy, your body will perform.”
Dr. Lou Tesoro, a UMCP pediatrician, also spoke highly of the impact of the Kids Marathon.
“This is a great way to help children make exercise a regular part of their lives,” he said.
The event already has a number of major sponsors, including Bristol- Myers Squibb, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Princeton Orthopedics, The Princeton Fitness and Wellness Center, Withum, Smith + Brown, Princeton Running Company, Thomas Sweet Ice Cream and Bot Beverage.
To date, more than 29 schools have signed up to promote the event and encourage their students to participate.
For more information, or to register for the marathon, go to www.princetonkidsmarathon.org.

