Family-Friendly Fitness Events

Spring is near, and that means more time outside!  Now is also a great time to make good on those health-related new year’s resolutions.  And of course, the family that plays together stays together.  Ok, if those cliches aren’t enough to motivate you to get out and exercise with your family, here are some truly good reasons – Family-Friendly Fitness Events happening and around Central Arkansas!

Kidsfest Superhero Race – March 31 @Simon Park in Downtown Conway
Kidsfest is a day recognizing child abuse prevention month and celebrating our children and strong families. The event includes a 5k fun run, 1k superhero run (for children under 10 years who dress up in superhero costumes) and a kids music festival which features children’s choirs, bands, dance teams, cheer teams and baton twirlers from across the county. The downtown park is filled with children’s activities including bounce house, face painting, superhero snacks and more. The theme of the event is “All children need a hero. Abused children need Superhero’s.” 5K registration is $15 in advance or $25 on the day. 1k registration is $10 in advance or $15 on the day. To register for the race go to www.hopeandjustice.org. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Advocacy Alliance of North Central Arkansas.

April 14 – 4-H Youth and Family Trail Run @ C.A. Vines 4-H Center in Ferndale
Nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains just 10 miles west of Little Rock, the C.A. Vines 4-H Center offers scenic beauty as you run/walk through the woods in the 4-H 5K. Come take part in a fitness event for the entire family. Youth $5 if pre-registered or $10 day-of-the race. Adult $15 if pre-registered or $20 day-of-the race. All participants will receive an official race shirt and number. Awards will be given to overall male & female runners as well as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in age/gender categories. For more information, go here.

March for Babies – April 28th @ Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock
I can’t seem to find much detail about this event online, but proceeds benefit the March of Dimes.  There is also a 5k run preceeding the March for Babies this year.  You can sign up for this family-friendly walk here, or visit the Facebook page for more information. I know that in the past there have been kid-friendly activities following the walk.

Dino Dash – May 19th @ Museum of Discovery in Little Rock
In the past, the 5K (3.1mile) course has included a special “jog stroller” division in addition to divisions for runners and walkers There is also a 1K (.63 miles) run/walk for families with young children. All participants are welcome at Discovery Fest, a street festival that celebrates science, technology and math with hands-on activities, entertainment and food.  Dino Dash 5K/1K & Discovery Fest is an annual event that supports the Museum of Discovery’s statewide educational programs. Your race registration includes a tshirt (while they last), a goody bag, refreshments after the race, and access to all the activities at Discovery Fest!  Museum of Discovery’s website.

The Rock-N-Stroll 5K Fun Run/Walk – May 26th @ North Shore Riverwalk in North Little Rock
In conjunction with Riverfest, this family-friendly event gives you the opportunity to dress up as your favorite rock ’n roll star, cartoon character or just anything fun and run a 5K. In addition to prizes for runners there will be prizes for the best costumes and some great rock ’n roll music at the race conclusion. Your race registration fee includes a 3-day admission pass to Riverfest and a race t-shirt. Pre-registration is $30 for adults and $10 for children 10 yrs. and under. Registration the day of the event is $35 for adults and $10 for children 10 yrs. and under. Register online here.

Bryant Kids’ Triathlon – June 2nd @ Bishop Park in Bryant
The Arkansas Bone & Joint Kids Triathlon is designed for any child, ages 5-15, regardless of athletic ability or prior triathlon experience who like to swim, bike, and run.  The courses and distances were created to be achievable for all athletes and is intended to expose the young participants to the sport of triathlon. Triathlon is a great way for kids to experience individual accomplishment and have fun at the same time! Each competitor will receive a t-shirt and each finisher will receive a finishers medal.  Regular registration fees are $25 up to May 26th. Relay registration is $60 per team. Late registration will be an additional $5. Visit the Bryant Kids’ Triathlon website for more information.

Go! Mile – June 16th @ Burns Park in North Little Rock
This, flat, paved mile course is run in heats by gender and age group, which means everyone can take turns running and cheering!  Registration is $20 for ages 18 and over, $10 for ages 17 and under.  The kid’s Mini-mile is $5, or free with an adult registration. Proceeds benefit the Winston Penn Wardlaw Memorial Fund. Visit the Go! Mile website for more info and to register.

Miracle Chasers Kids Triathlon – Saturday, July 28 @ UALR Campus, 8am
Course distances for ages 6-10: 50 yard swim, 2 mile bike, 1/2 mile run.  Ages 11-15: 100 yard swim, 4 mile bike, 1 mile run. The use of assistive devices including flotation devices and training wheels will be allowed during the triathalon.  However, participants using these devices will not be eligible for a trophy. Bicycle helmets are required during the bike portion of event. Entry fee is $20. This event benefits Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Register online here.

Kids for the Cure – Date/Location TBA (On or around the weekend of October 20, 2012)
Held in conjunction with the Arkansas Race for the Cure, this event features kid-sized races, plus more fun activities.  Check here for information

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