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Desiree Moreno, head athletic trainer at Trinidad State College, is working to bring the Healthy Kids Running Series for youth in grades Pre-K thru eighth grade to Trinidad.

The Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) was created in 2009 by Jeff Long, founder and president of Pattison Sports Group, to motivate kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle through a positive introduction to the world of running.

HKRS is a national, community-based non-profit that provides a fun, inclusive, five-week running series for ages 2-14, designed for kids to get active, feel accomplished and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

Race distances for the series are broken down into the following categories, based on age: Pre-K (2-3 year olds) 50 yard dash, Pre-K (4-5 year olds) 75 yard dash, Kindergarten-First grades a quarter mile, Second-Third grades a half mile, and Fourth-Eighth grades 1 mile.

The series will be offered at Trinidad’s Central Park from 1-2 p.m. on September 19, 26, and October 3 and 10. The cost to participate is $40 for the series, or a one-day pop-in is $10 (no shirt is included).

Participants compete each week for a chance to earn points. At the end of the series the boys and girls who accumulate the most points in their respective distances are awarded trophies. All participants receive a medal on Week 5.

Moreno jumped at the opportunity to bring this special youth event to area residents. “One of my athletic training colleagues does this, and I thought it’d be a great opportunity for the local community, especially since a lot of local recreation is aimed at five-year-olds and older—the participation in this series for two-year-olds and above was awesome.”

Long term, Moreno believes that the Healthy Kids Running Series will have a positive effect on local youth sports involvement. “I think this will impact kids to get involved at a young age with something that’s healthy, and which will have positivity surrounding it, so it’ll be more enticing as they get older,” said Moreno.

The series will return this spring with five additional dates, and can even include a high school division if there is interest from local youth.

Community members are encouraged to get involved in facilitating the series as well, said Moreno. “Volunteers are always welcome, especially to help guide the kids around their particular race. Also, healthy snacks (fruit, vegetables, or water donations) are always welcome as well.”

Even coming out as a spectator is encouraged. “The biggest thing is to just have a positive environment and come cheer on these local kids to show some support,” Moreno said.

More information about donations, volunteers, and sponsorships can all be found online on Runsignup.com, or by contacting Moreno via email at trinidadco@healthykidsrs.org or via phone at 719-422-6614.