What better way to get your child active than to have them run a half marathon! Here's how our Youth Half Marathon will work:

• Each child will register online through the normal registration link on our webpage.
• Print a copy of the ACTIVITY LOG found here.
• Run/walk 1 mile per week for the 12 weeks prior to April 13, 2012. You can do this in increments or a full one mile at a time, it's up to you. If you miss a week, be sure to make it up so that you complete 12 miles prior to race day.
• Log your miles on your activity log each week.
• Bring your activity log and a signed waiver with you on race day (Friday, April 13) to vouch that you completed 12 miles.
• On race day, you'll run 1.1 miles to complete the 13.1 distance of a half marathon (participants will need to be able to finish 1.1 miles in less than 30 minutes).

Children in the United States today are less fit than they were a generation ago. Many are showing early signs of cardiovascular risk factors such as physical inactivity, excess weight, higher blood cholesterol and cigarette smoking. Inactive children, when compared with active children, weigh more, have higher blood pressure and lower levels of heart-protective high-density lipoproteins (HDL cholesterol).

According to the American Heart Association, here are a few more facts about children and exercise.

• Children in the United States today are less fit than they were a generation ago. Many are showing early signs of cardiovascular risk factors such as physical inactivity, excess weight, higher blood cholesterol and cigarette smoking.
• Even though heart attack and stroke are rare in children, evidence shows that the process leading to those conditions begins in childhood.
• The National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES, 1999-2004) found that the prevalence of overweight American adolescents ages 12-19 was 17.9 percent for males and 16.0 percent for females. There was an increase of nearly 179 percent from 1971 to 2004.
• 37.2 percent of high school students spend three or more hours a day watching TV.
• Inactive children are more likely to become inactive adults.
• Healthy lifestyle training should start in childhood to promote improved cardiovascular health in adult life. The following good health practices should be promoted among children:
  • regular physical activity
  • a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet after age 2
  • smoking prevention
  • appropriate weight for height
  • regular pediatric medical checkups

Each participant will receive a custom cotton t-shirt, official finisher's medal (same as adult half marathon finishers), a custom race patch and the right to say you ran a half marathon!

Youth Half Marathon Course Map

Please click here to download the Youth Half Marathon Course Map.

Rules

• No refunds!
• Youth Half Marathon participants must be 14 and under on day of race.
• Rain or shine!
• No dogs allowed!

Schools

If you would like to get your school involved, please email us at info@palmettohalfmarathon.com.