Kilometer Kids is a program created by the Atlanta Track Club in partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs of metro Atlanta; Centennial Place Family YMCA serving these Elementary Schools:  Herndon, M. Agnes Jones, Bethune, and Centennial; and East Lake Family YMCA serving the Drew Charter School. Our goal is to provide several hundred metro area youth the opportunity to improve fitness through a fun and supportive running program.  It’s hoped that the program will eventually impact whole families, with parents inspired by their children to improve their own health and fitness. 

     The Spring 2008 edition introduces the children to the sport of track and field, emphasizing the skills of warming up, stretching, correct running techniques, and the use of track and field equipment.  Young runners will take part in various track events during the Atlanta All-Comers Track and Field Series held each Tuesday evening from May 6th – May 27th at Emory University. The group will also take part in the Track Club’s annual Peachtree Jr. 3K at Piedmont Park, to be held on Saturday, May 31, 2008. The Spring 2008 Program will begin on Monday, March 24th. 

     The Fall edition of the program is designed to allow each child to complete a “marathon” over the 10 week period.  Children will meet twice a week for training runs at one of the six area Boys & Girls Club locations or participating schools who are serviced by the Metro Atlanta YMCA. Each runner will track their progress in their own training logs and receive incentive prizes along the way.  After completing 25.2 miles in training, they will run their final mile of their marathon at the marathon on Thanksgiving Day, crossing the finish line under the Olympic rings just like the running in the main event. Commemorative finisher’s medals will also be awarded.