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Waddell & Reed Kids' Marathon presented by Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics

The Waddell & Reed Kids’ Marathon Presented by Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics returns, giving young runners, Kindergarten through 8th grade, a chance to complete their own mini-marathon on the day of the Kansas City Marathon. Proceeds from the Kids’ Marathon benefit Children’s Mercy.

The Kids Marathon spans 1.2 miles and starts just north of Crown Center. The event kicks off at 11:30 a.m. following the popular mascot run. Students can sign up as individuals or as a group with five or more of their friends or classmates.

Kids’ Marathon Training

The Kids’ Marathon is structured to allow participants the opportunity to complete a full, 26.2-mile marathon one mile at a time – a pace that is fun and safe for their growing bodies! As part of the fun run experience, participating kids are encouraged to “train” by tracking 25 miles on their own leading up to race day.

Training Logs:

Participants are provided Training Logs when they register to help kids and parents keep track of their work. Print Training Log.

Training Guide:

The Weight Management team from Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics has created a handy Training Guide with helpful tips to prepare before and on race day. Print Training Guide.

Quick Training Tips

• On a safe secure route designated by parents, coaches, mentors or teachers, the first 25 miles will be run in quarter-mile, half-mile or one mile increments.
• Mileage tracking will be on the “honor system” and kids will get the most and be prepared for the marathon by tracking their miles honestly.
• The final 1.2 miles of the child's marathon will be completed on race day, Saturday, Oct., 16, 2010, where they will also turn in their records of miles completed.
• Kids will gather in Downtown Kansas City to prepare for the start of their “marathon.” Parents, coaches, mentors or teachers may accompany their marathoner on the 1.2 mile run across the finish line.
• After crossing the finish line, the child will proceed through a secure finisher chute where they will meet mom, dad, coach, mentor or teacher. Each finisher will receive a Kid's Marathon Finisher medal!

Kids’ Marathon Location and Course

Starting in the same spot as the marathon – just north of Crown Center – the young runners will head down a gradual hill on Grand to 20th Street. From there, they’ll turn left on 20th to Walnut, right on Walnut, right on 18th Street and right on Grand, before tackling the little hill they initially went down. They are greeted with a flat finish back to Crown Center.
Download the map

Kids’ Marathon Registration

Kids can register as individuals or as a team of five or more.

Individual Registration

Each participant must pre-register. Individual registration is a suggested donation of $10 per person.

1. Register online here
2. Print the registration form

   All mail-in entries must be postmarked by October 9, 2010.

   Have a parent or guardian sign the release of liability
   
   Mail form to:
   Greater Kansas City Sports Commission
   McGuff Sports Center
   1308 Pennsylvania Avenue
   Kansas City, MO 64105

Team Registration for Schools, Sports Teams, Groups and more!

Team registration begins with a “coach” registering a team. A “coach” can be a teacher, coach or adult group organizer registering a team name. Each Kids’ Marathon Team must consist of five or more members. There is no cost to coaches or team members to register as a team.

Team members will be asked to go online and register under their team name using a promotional code they will receive from their coach after the team is created. Parents will be required to read and initial the online waiver. Please contact us if you are unable to do this on-line.

Team members are encouraged to wear matching T-shirts to help their team standout on race day!

For more information, contact Julie Vandal at kidsmarathon@kcmarathon.org

Fundraising/Donations

The Waddell & Reed Kids’ Marathon has partnered with Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics to help fight childhood obesity. If you would like to raise money for Children's Mercy, print off the fundraiser form or click here to make a donation online.

Click here for the fundraiser form

Click here to make a donation online

Volunteer

To make the Waddell & Reed Kids’ Marathon Presented by Children’s Mercy Hospitals & Clinics a success, many volunteers are needed. Kids’ Marathon volunteers have the opportunity to select their volunteer assignments when registering. Groups are encouraged to volunteer together for the event.

Click here to register as a volunteer.