Kids On Track' is great fun for beginners

Getting your kids out walking or running is a great way for them to have fun, achieve fitness and get into the exercise habit at an early age. That's the idea behind UHS Stay Healthy Kids' "Kids On Track" program, scheduled for this fall on the Vestal Rail Trail.

Kids On Track is a nine-week beginner walking, running and wellness program for youngsters and their family members, to be held from 1 to 2:15 p.m., every Sunday from Sept. 10 through Nov. 5, meeting at the Vestal Coal House. The program is geared to children ages 5 to 15, and will include guided walking and running, relay races, mile-trackers, wellness discussions, giveaways, post-workout smoothies, snacks and Kids On Track-logoed shirts. The fee for the total program is $10 per youngster.

Prizes will be awarded for cumulative milestone markers of five, 10, 15 and 20 miles, and a grand prize for all who reach the "marathon level" of 26.2 miles over the nine weeks. There will also be separate prizes for relay winners. To sign up: Go to KidsOnRightTrack.Eventbrite.com. If you have questions, call 221-3727.

Studies show that walking and running are good for children and teenagers. The youngsters have fun, improve their concentration and feel calmer. They gain a sense of control over their walking environment, become observant of what they encounter on their journey and have some time to themselves to think. Simultaneously, they get very good exercise.