Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) is a national program designed to inspire young people to live a healthy, active life by taking part in outdoor running events in their neighborhoods.

Locally, the program is being offered on Sundays at 2 p.m. at the West Nantmeal Township Recreation Area, located next to the township building at 455 N. Manor Road (Route 82), Elverson. The series began on April 18 and will conclude on May 16.

Registration is ongoing. "People can register (their children) online or in person," said Michele Raymond, community coordinator, who is running the local HKRS for the first time.

During the weekly events, youths compete in their designated age or grade level division: 50-yard dash for prekindergarten students, those ages 2 and 3; a 75-yard dash for prekindergarten students, children ages 4 and 5; a quarter-mile race for kindergarten through first-grade students; a half-mile run for second- and third-graders; a 1-mile run for fourth- and fifth-graders; and a 1-mile run for sixth- through eighth-graders.

"The first week we had 22 registered, and 10 showed up that day, so we had 32 (runners)," Raymond reported. "The second week we had 35 kids."

She said that races are run in order starting with the youngest participants. The races are timed to allow the children to know how well they did. "Last week for the (75-yard dash), we broke it up by girls and boys because there were too many for one heat," Raymond noted, "so we had a girls' heat and a boys' heat."

This is the first time that the HKRS has been held at the park. Previously, the program took place at Twin Valley Middle School. "When it was at its height, (there were) 100 kids (involved)," Raymond said. "I took it over for spring last year, but (because of the pandemic), we did it virtually."

For the final session on May 16, there will be an awards ceremony. "We will give out medals for participants and acknowledge their scores," Raymond said, adding, "Some kids are runners and some kids do it just for fun, but (everyone) enjoys being outside. It's a good time."

For more information and to register, visit http://www.runsignup.com/hkrselverson. More information is also available at http://www.facebook.com/hkrselverson.

Some changes have been made to this year's program because of the pandemic. According to a statement issued by Steve Long, HKRS founder, the organization is following the guidelines as suggested by the CDC, which include wearing a mask when not running, limiting the number of youngsters per race and providing hand sanitizer at registration. "We recognize and understand these are challenging times, but we are offering our runners and their families a safe experience while social distancing to teach kids effort, perseverance, persistence, sportsmanship, independence and grit," Long stated.

Children who cannot take part in an in-person race may consider a virtual alternative, the Virtual World Race. Learn more at http://www.HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org.