Cathy Weise, race director at the Ron Rosner YMCA, wants to inspire kids not enrolled in formal sports activities to try running this summer.
“When I took over as race director two years ago, I thought a kids’ run series would be an inspiration for those not in sports. The distances are a challenging but doable goal, and it’s something to do in the summer to keep fit,” says Weise.
From a small beginning, Weise has developed an ambitious three-race series for this summer, with the help of The Great Train Race, Shannon Airport, Dominion Raceway & Entertainment, the Fredericksburg Area Service League and Race Timing Unlimited.
Great Train Race Director Jennifer Taylor was one of the first on board.
“There is not a race series for kids in the region, like adults have, so kids would have to wait for a full year to compare their times in the Great Race. With the series, they get to run a mile three times in three months. It’s a fun way to look at their personal best times and a great way to develop a love of running,” says Taylor.
Proceeds from the run series benefit kids’ programs at the YMCA, Fredericksburg Area Service League childrens’ philanthropies and programs and Loisann’s Hope House, which works to end homelessness for children and their families in the area.
“It’s really neat that a children’s race benefits children’s programs,” says Taylor.
Three Kid-Friendly Venues
Downtown
The Great Train Race will be held on May 6 at the corner of Caroline Street and Lafayette Boulevard. The well-established event sees thousands of participants.
Shannon Airport
The Cleared for Takeoff Race will be held June 2 at Shannon Airport. The airport rolled out the red carpet last year, opening their new museum for participants.
Dominion Raceway
The Runners Start Your Engines Race will be held July 8 at Dominion Raceway.
Entry costs range from $27 to $44. Children who complete all three races will receive a custom Trains, Planes, and Automobiles Race Series participation medal. The top five overall male and female finishers of the series will be awarded trophies based on the cumulative times of all three races.
Four years and under races are not timed, and are not eligible for trophies.
To register: www.racetimingunlimited.org
Mail: Ron Rosner Family YMCA
5700 Smith Station Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Questions: Catherine Weise at cweise@family-ymca.org
Jennifer Taylor at gtrfredericksburg.com
