Hundreds of local youth to take the marathon challenge

Hundreds of local kids are about to have the most active summer of their lives. Through an innovative program by Boone Hospital Center, these kids are being challenged to run or walk a complete marathon, 26.2 miles, over the course of the summer.

The program, Kids on Track, begins on May 9 with a kick off event at the Gordon Shelter at Stephens Lake Park, beginning with registration at 6 p.m. and with a 1.2-mile run/walk at 7 p.m.

The challenge is open to kids 14 and under. More than 500 have already registered for the event.

“The interest this year has been outstanding. Preregistration is double what we’ve seen previously,” said Jeff Zimmermann, health promotions manager. “It’s wonderful to see so many kids and their families excited to make healthy activity a part of their summer. We know the best way to promote healthy lifestyles is to start at a young age.”

To encourage kids along their journeys, many local businesses are offering incentives and prizes to participants as they reach checkpoints on their way to 26.2 miles. Sponsors include: ARC; B & B Bagel; Bob McCosh Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac, Inc.; Chuck E. Cheese; Dairy Queen; Empire Roller Rink; Going Bonkers; Lazer Lanes; Missouri Heart Institute; The Little Gym and Twaddle Orthodontics.

Kids on Track launches alongside Boone Hospital’s annual Lee Pfefer Memorial 5K. The 5K is also at Stephens Lake Park on May 9 and begins at 6 p.m. Walk up registration is $25.