Guest Blog Post by Healthy Kids Running Series. We’ve followed their growth over the years and have shared details about how they work with coordinators to support hundreds of kids races and their rapid virtual transition in 2020. Today, the Executive Director Dawn Epstein shares more information about how they manage the still-growing program through their “race-in-a-box” strategy and local coordinators.
Healthy Kids Running Series provides an inclusive youth running experience for kids ages 2-14, inspiring them to believe in themselves and live an active healthy lifestyle. Since 2009 we’ve been in almost 500 communities around the country, yet this national presence is driven by our community focus.
Our local Community Coordinators are the heartbeat of our programs and are active, involved members of their community. They seem to know everyone in town or they’re not shy about making new connections. They love talking about Healthy Kids Running Series and thinking of new ways to make race day a fun and exciting event.
“We love Healthy Kids Running Series because we have a BLAST!!! We really do have so much fun interacting with the kids, doing theme weeks, and getting to spend time with the families. We love being involved in the community and love to offer opportunities for children to be active and have fun. We have become a community “event” that people look forward to signing up for each season. It is such a great feeling to walk around town, or go to other community events, and have families come up to us and tell us how much fun they have with HKRS.”
Jena and Jeff Shontz, Boyertown, PA
HKRS is always recruiting new team members who share our vision and drive. HKRS offers a turnkey program enabling local Community Coordinators to execute a Series by providing content, direction and support every step of the way.
You know those meal kits that deliver everything you need to prepare a first-rate dinner in a box? Think of us like that – but you’re preparing a successful race event. We give you everything you need to get to the finish line and have been perfecting the process since 2009.
“HKRS has everything in place and easy to follow guidelines to set-up your races and be successful. By following my program manager/mentor Corrine Logeman’s direction- I posted flyers on the school district website, posted at parks, trails, charter schools, etc. I was able to get over 160 kids for our inaugural season.”
Ray Trevino, Pflugerville, TX
The time commitment for Community Coordinators averages about 5-6 hours per week on prep and follow up and around 3 hours for each event. Our Community Coordinators are stay-at-home parents, semi-retired, full time professionals, and everything in between! Other than being present on race day, the commitment is flexible and can fit in around anyone’s schedule.
“I love being a Community Coordinator for Healthy Kids Running Series because it allows me to have an impact on my community while also being a mom to my 4 young kids. It’s something my entire family can be involved in – I have a 50 yard dasher, a 75 yard dasher, a 1/2 miler and a 1 miler! Not only do they run in the program, my kids love to get involved and help with course set up and passing out medals to the finishers. HKRS is truly a family affair for us! My kids are realizing how fulfilling it is to give back to your community, all while learning how supportive and inspiring the running community is. And seeing their smiling faces cross the finish line is so heartwarming!”
Christine Bridges, Caledonia, MI
Interested in starting a race in your town? Visit here to learn more and fill out an application!