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Races Give Kids A Leg Up On Fun

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By AMY ELLINOR, Tribune Correspondent

Published: February 8, 2008

A few days ago, I went to an early registration session for this weekend's Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic with my kids in tow. When it was my turn to sign up, the guy pointed to my 5-year-old and asked if I wanted to sign her up for the Feb. 2 Too Good for Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic. Before I could reply, my daughter loudly proclaimed, "No. I don't want to do it."

I don't know where that emphatic "no" came from. She never had run a race in her life. In fact, the only formal activity she ever signed up for was a short stint of Saturday morning tumbling — her choice.

Whether it's fear of the unknown or the fear of failure, trying something new isn't easy for some adults, let alone children.

I knew my daughter was more than capable of completing the 1/8-mile fun run. The trick was finding the right psychology to get her to want to try it. Fortunately, a package of Pop-Tarts was included in my registration goodie bag. All I had to say while I was munching down on one of those bad boys was that they were for runners only.

When I threw in the fact that everyone would get a medal and there would be face painting, it was a sealed deal.

While the run was a lot of fun, it was also an authentic race experience. My daughter picked up her registration packet, got her numbers pinned on her race-day T-shirt and learned that if you line up in the back at the start, you might trip over a few fallen soldiers before you finish.

She seemed to enjoy herself, and she may even want to try it again. I'm not going to push it, though. The important thing is that now she knows she can do it if she wants to. (And she earned her own package of Pop-Tarts.)

Fun Competitions for Kids

If you think your kids are ready to try a triathlon, the Move It! Kids Triathlon Experience for ages 7 to 12 will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 12 at the Bob Sierra YMCA Youth and Family Center, 4029 Northdale Blvd., Tampa.

Children 7 and 8 will compete in a 50-yard swim, 3-mile bike ride and half-mile run. Children 9 and older will compete in a 75-yard swim, 3-mile bike ride and half-mile run. The goal is for everyone to finish and have a good time. Each participant will receive a medal, T-shirt and goody bag. For information, call (813) 962-3220.

For the 6 and younger crowd, try the 16th annual Hare Racing Experience for Epilepsy. The fun runs for kids (50 yards and 100 yards) begin at 9:15 a.m. March 22 at the athletic fields of the University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance. There's a recommended $5 donation for the T-shirt. The run is a benefit for Epilepsy Services of West Central Florida Inc. For information, call (813) 870-3414.

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