1K Kids' Run Question

I've had a few parents ask me how old their child should be before they should consider the 5K (3.1 miles) run instead of the 1K (0.62 miles). My answer is simple: a parent who pays attention to their child's development and watches them run a distance will have a pretty good idea. My son, age 13, ran a 1K in Sioux City, Iowa, in 2006 and ran a great race. It was clear that he knew how to pace himself and enjoyed the challenge. A year later, when he mentioned wanted to run the 1K again, we talked about how effortlessly he came in the previous year and it might be time to consider a 5K. Last fall, he ran and walked the 5K in Sioux City and came in ahead of me! I anticipate that this year, he'll run more and walk less. I give a few general pointers if you are considering having your child run the 1K:

1. There isn't an age restriction. If you child hasn't raced before, the 1K is a great starter race so he or she can gauge if they are ready for longer races or find that the 1K is the best place for him or her. You know what kids are like... they long for the day when they can do what big kids do; he or she won't stick with the 1K if they feel like they've grown out of it.

2. Encourage them to try the distance (0.62 miles) before race day. Watch them. Give pointers. The best advice I ever gave my son was to start slow and build momentum and have enough gas to kick it in at the end.

3. Take your child to the local high school track to get a feel for the distance. This is also a good indicator of their overall development.

3. Make sure they are hydrated before the race and hydrate after the race. It's a good lesson to learn early in life.

4. Make sure you emphasize fun rather than finishing quickly. All 1K finishers EARN medals. It's a great first race; I can't think of something to be celebrated more than developing their love for physical fitness.

If you have any questions about the 1K kids' run, please go to the "Contact Us" section of www.igroyalrun.com and zing me a message. I'll respond as quickly as possible.

Doug Clough
IG Royal Run Director