Cool part of Kids for Running Program

June 1, 2011

Kids don’t need much beyond shoes and support to get started running. The Bellin Run Kids for Running program is working to make sure kids have both.

Each year, children in schools across Northeast Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula prepare for the annual Bellin Run by training with fellow students in the Kids for Running program.

The training program – staffed by volunteer coaches, trainers and supporters – draws thousands of school-age children in grades 3 through 8, culminating in the 10K (6.2-mile) Bellin Run where Kids for Running participants merge with the rest of the race day field.

Since the Kids for Running program started in 2005, an estimated 17,300 students and trainers have participated in the program, according to Tia DeLeers, program coordinator.

Underprivileged children in the program quietly get assistance with running gear – shoes, shorts, T-shirts, etc. – through donations from local program sponsors.

One of those sponsors, The Schneider National Foundation, has been a key supporter of the Kids for Running program. Each year, The Foundation provides free running shoes and apparel for underprivileged students in the program.

DeLeers works with participating schools to confidentially identify underprivileged children that need assistance with running gear. The Foundation then provides the shoes and apparel to those students. This year, that meant providing running equipment for about 200 children.

“All students at participating schools are welcome to join the Kids for Running program regardless of their performance level or socio-economic status,” DeLeers said. “Our goal is to help all of the students understand the importance of fitness and wellness and help them incorporate that into their lives to ensure a healthier future. We are able to do that through this community-based program and with the assistance of sponsors like The Schneider National Foundation.”

This year’s Kids for Running program registered 2,746 children and 767 volunteer trainers from 61 schools. That’s up 13 percent from last year.