My oldest son has recently taken an interest in running, particularly running races. He’s only four, so I’ve had a hard time finding races for him that are age appropriate. Most races usually contain a 1 mile fun run, but for a four-year-old that is a pretty long run. He wants to run short distances, so I began scouring the internet to find runs and races for kids of all ages.
Here is a list of events in the Chattanooga area:
Healthy Kids Running Series
This is a 5-week running program in the spring and fall for kids from Pre-K to 8th grade. Each race series takes place once a week and offers age appropriate running events including the 50 yard dash, the 75 yard dash, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the 1 mile run. Kids compete each week of the series for a chance to earn points. At the end of the series the boy and girl with the most points in each age division receive a trophy. All participants receive a medal and gift bag for the achievements!
Date: September 2nd-30th
Time: 3:30pm
Location: Heritage Park
Ages: 2 years old-8th grade
Distance: Dependent on age
Price: $35
2018 IRONKIDS Chattanooga Fun Run
The IRONKIDS fun run offers young athletes the unique opportunity to feel the excitement of competition while enjoying the outdoors and promoting healthy living. Parents, family, and friends are invited to cheer on the racers. Ages 3-13 are welcome to participate in a 1 mile or 1/2 mile race.
Date: September 29th, 2018
Time: 9am
Location: Ross Landing
Ages: 3 to 13
Distance: 1 mile or 1/2 mile course options
Price: $20
7 Bridges Marathon 2018 Kids Race
The PM Pediatrics Family Fun Run is a special event just for the families. The whole family can come walk or run the 1K. All finishers will receive a commemorative 7 Bridges water bottle. This race is part of the 7 Bridges Marathon which includes a marathon, half marathon, and 5K courses. If you have older kids who would like to compete in a timed race, the 5K option is perfect. This is the same day and starts at 7:45am.
Date: October 21, 2018
Time: 10am
Location: Coolidge Park
Ages: All Ages
Distance: 1K
Price: $20
Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon, Junior Marathon
The Junior Marathon is for children ages 12 and under. Before November 10, participants run or walk a total of 25.2 miles. Miles are logged, with the help of an adult, and on November 10, the last mile will be completed on the first loop of the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon course. All Junior marathon participants will receive a tie-dyed t-shirt and good bag with a finisher’s medal.
Date: November 10, 2018
Time: noon
Location: Sixth Cavalry Museum, Fort Oglethorpe, GA
Ages: 12 and under
Distance: 1 mile
Price: $10
Turkey Trot-Kids Dash
Join the Thanksgiving tradition at the Chattanooga Hungry Turkey Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk. Go the distance with the half marathon or get the entire family out to work up an appetite before the big Thanksgiving meal and join the 5K. Everyone gets a cinnamon roll at the finish line. Details for the Kids Dash are below.
Date: November 22nd
Time: 8:30am
Location: Coolidge Park
Ages: 8 and under
Distance: 100 meters
Price: FREE
Other runs around the Chattanooga area to check out:
Check out racechattanooga.com for a full list of races around Chattanooga for all ages!
I hope to see you out there running with your kids!
