Participants make their way around the outdoor track at UPEI during the inaugural Kids Fox Trot in 2019. The race, which saw hundreds of participants, was presented by The Guardian and Sobeys Extra as part of this year’s P.E.I. Marathon. This year's event takes place Saturday, Oct. 15 at UPEI. - SaltWire Network File PhotoThe Prince Edward Island Marathon weekend truly has something for everyone. From running a competitive Boston qualifying 42.
One of the events we are most proud of is our free Kids Fox Trot events. These events create a live race event venue and atmosphere to kids up to age 14. The older children run two laps of the track while the younger children run one lap of the track with an adult guardian. There is lots of hype, celebration and the ever-cherished goodie bags, complete with T-shirt, bib and finishers ribbon. We are thrilled to br back with the Kids Fox Trot after a two-year pandemic pause.
We prioritize continuously providing this positive opportunity to invite children to the marathon weekend party, to the sport of running, to the idea of being active with friends and family. The clock is running for those who choose to test themselves, but for the most part, the clock is secondary to the sense of pride and accomplishment on the children’s face when they finish.
Lots of past participants of prior year’s kids run have gone on to run in 5k, 10k and even the half and full marathon events in later years and have incorporated physical activity into their adult lifestyles. Some have chosen to volunteer or perhaps come out to support a member of their family along the way on race day. We have multi-year participant runners, some starting by being pushed in a stroller to graduating from the event at age 14.. Quantities are not unlimited, so please don’t delay.
Cheryl Paynter is chair of the board of the Prince Edward Island Marathon. Her column will appear in the Saturday issue of The Guardian leading up to marathon weekend.