In 2007, Atlanta Track Club launched an incentive-based youth running program called Kilometer Kids. The program focuses on inspiring Atlanta’s youth to achieve health and fitness through a fun and supportive running program, empowering children with the knowledge they need to make smart lifestyles choices. From small beginnings in 2007, the program has grown significantly and now impacts more than 4,500 children each year in the Atlanta region and beyond. The program is funded by Atlanta Track Club, private donations and partners including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Atlanta Braves Foundation, Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation, Chick-fil-A and PNC Bank
Kilometer Kids is a flexible, incentive-based running program designed to get kids in the community active. The 11-week Kilometer Kids program is open to any child between the ages of 7 and 14, and is designed for use by schools and groups as well as parents and families. A few of the program features include:
- Free access to curriculum, including running game ideas, tracking tools and nutritional information.
- Incentive items to all participants who reach their mileage goals.
- Flexibility - parents, teachers and site coordinators can begin the program at any time.
- Opportunity to participate in free, mid-week fun runs and other youth running events organized by Atlanta Track Club.
Kilometer Kids seeks to create lifelong runners, instilling in participants the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. Through the program, kids learn that exercise is a fun and rewarding activity, opening the door for physical activity to become a lifelong habit.
The 2014 Kilometer Kids season kicks off with the first annual Kilometer Kids Cross Country One-Mile Fun Run, held in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools. This is a free fun run for kids ages 7 to 14 and will be held in Grant Park on Wednesday, September 24, at 5:15 p.m. For kids ages 6 and under, there will be a Kilometer Kids Dash beginning at 5:30 p.m. This event is the first of many free one-mile fun run events that will be held throughout the fall. For the full calendar and more event details, visit HERE.
As a member of the Atlanta community, you can help support Kilometer Kids in a variety of ways:
- Volunteer- Atlanta Track Club is always seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with our weekly one-mile fun runs. For more information, email HERE.
- Donate- Donations to Kilometer Kids help expand the program to more local communities
- Start a Program- If you are interested in receiving more information on starting a Kilometer Kids program at your school or in your community, please contact Todd Liscomb.
