Beginning April 24, kids in Haywood County will have an opportunity to be a part of a national running program that focuses on character-development and physical training for a local distance race.

Registration will be held on April 7 from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at the Lake Junaluska Bunny Run registration site.  

Haywood County Recreation and Parks will begin offering a youth running program called Ready, Set, Run! This is a character-building running program that trains kids ages 8-13 to participate in a distance run. This curriculum-based program is designed to equip kids with the physical training and goal-setting mentality needed to accomplish their running goals. Issues such as enhancing confidence and self-esteem, respecting authority, dealing with peer pressure and fueling their bodies through proper nutrition are covered during the 12-week session.  

Kids enrolled will meet twice a week from 4-5:30 p.m. at various parks and running areas such as Allens Creek Park and Canton Recreation Park. The program will culminate with the running of the Folkmoot Race on July 14.

The program fee is $30. This provides each participant a T-shirt and entry in the Folkmoot 5K.  

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