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All the kids were winners at the Just For Kids Fun Run, a day of races for toddlers through 12 year olds. The event, held at the Memorial Park Picnic Loop on Saturday September 29, was generously sponsored by Memorial Hermann Sportscare and the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Dept. under the auspices of the Houston Area Road Runners Association (HARRA)

The goal of the annual event is to get children of all abilities to run a non-competitive race in a positive atmosphere and learn that running can be a fun part of a healthy lifestyle. Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital had a health fair near the finish line as well as providing excellent EMT support. Nutritious refreshments were kindly donated by Sierra Springs Water, Randall's Grocery Stores, and HEB Pantry Foods.

The cutest race of the day was the 25 meter Toddler Trot for the 4 yrs. and under crowd. The older children had the options of a 400 meter, 1K or 2K race, all run with age group heats. All children received a beautiful finisher's medallion on a ribbon as well as plenty of cheering as they neared the balloon arch at the finish line. A race clock was provided for the kids to note their time. After their race, the kids were entertained by volunteer clowns from the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, fabulous face painters, magician David Inkster, a moonwalk, and special guest Chilly from the Houston Aeros.

Race Director Nancy Kral was delighted with the gorgeous weather and the great turnout of over 400 children, a 30% increase over last year's race. In addition, the In Training Program, a series of three 45-minute sessions covering stretching, nutrition, and fun running games, was a huge success. The Memorial Park camp, sponsored by Luke's Locker and coached by Lisa D'Angelo and Carol McLatchie, and the Rice University camp, sponsored by RunSport and coached by Jerry Fuqua and Jon Warren, each hosted 20-25 kids in the week prior to the race.

The best part, besides seeing all the smiling faces of active kids, is the low cost of the event. Race entry was only $5 and included a T- shirt and race number. The In Training Program was just $15 and included race entry and special In Training T-shirt and refreshments. The Just For Kids Fun Run will remain a low-cost, accessible event thanks to its generous sponsors.