Kids invited to join in running series

BUDA — Runners and athletes of all abilities are encouraged to sign up for the upcoming Healthy Kids Running Series beginning in early April.

The Healthy Kids Running Series Buda-Kyle is a five-week running program that occurs bi-annually — once in the spring and once in the fall — for kids in pre-K through the eighth grade. Each series will take place at 4 p.m. on Sundays beginning April 7 and ending on May 12, at Buda City Park. Participants will be able to compete in the 50- and 75-yard dashes, quarter mile, half mile and one-mile run, depending on their age group.

At the end of the series, trophies will be awarded to the overall top finishers in each of the races — divided by boys and girls, respectively — but all participants receive a medal during the final week.

To remain inclusive to all of the participants, the series offers a Challenger Division, which is an adaptive 75-yard race for children with disabilities and/or special needs.

“I strive to make sure that we host an inclusive race. I don't ever want to have a runner not compete or an athlete not compete because of that obstacle,” said Latoya Edwards-Hordge, coordinator of the Healthy Kids Running Series Buda-Kyle. “The Challenger race is always going to be a special part. We had one runner this past season. Paisley was such a great addition to it. Her smile was always the best one to get us through the finish line and we placed her specifically right after the 50-yard dash, just to make sure that she was running similarly with her age group as well.”

And while knowing that not every kid enjoys running, Edwards-Hordge encourages the participants to finish their race at their own pace, however that may look.

The series has been active in the Buda/Kyle area since 2009, but Edwards-Hordge assumed the role as coordinator approximately two years ago. She said that she has tried to reinvent the series every season, implementing something new for the participants, volunteers and sponsors.

“This year, this season for the spring, I wanted to introduce the runners behind the line. So, I started this series called Toes Behind the Line and it's a simple Facebook series where we are talking about the runner and their history or why they got into running or why they continue to run the series. I thought that it would be something to get to know the people behind the line, whether it’s the actual runners, our sponsors or even our volunteers,” she explained.

The coordinator added that something special they are also doing for this spring series is partnering with Card My Yard Buda-Kyle to change the signage to say Happy Mother’s Day for the final race — as it’s scheduled for Sunday, May 12 — and there is a sponsor that is taking care of flower arrangements: “Our runners will be able to give their mothers, mother figure or guardian some flowers after their race."

Learning new things about each of the runners and seeing how they have grown over the years keeps Edwards-Hordge coming back again and again.

“Just to see them finishing the race each time is always the good part. I always like to also see them grow into the older and harder races. We'll have runners that start off as the cute 3- year-old races where they're just running like wild cats, right? You're just herding, keeping them together,” she said. “Then, as they get older, they have to run more strategic races, so you see them thinking, putting more effort into stretching or staying focused on their specific race. That part is the best part because they really get to understand that they're not truly competing against the other runners when they get to the older races, they're running against themselves with the time and to see their time improve each time is always the best part.”

At the fall 2023 running series, which took place in September and October, there were a total of 176 runners who participated.

Currently, the early bird discount rate is still available for $45, which covers the full five weeks of the series race bibs, a runner shirt, finisher medal and any sponsor giveaways. The cost will go up to $50 after March 17.

Registration is nonrefundable and non-transferrable. Single-day race registration on-site opens one hour prior to the start of each race; the $20 registration fee covers one single race to be run on the day of registration, race bib and a runner shirt while supplies last. Shirt sizing and availability is not guaranteed for single day racers.

To register for the Healthy Kids Running Series, or learn more about the program, visit bit.ly/48zrxi4.