Spain Park to host one of the nation’s largest kids marathons, Feb. 24—sign up now

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In a time when screens are taking over kids’ free time, one local program is looking to get them outside and moving. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Marathon returns in 2024, and it’s already motivating kids to get moving. Here’s what you need to know.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Marathon details

• Ages: Kindergarten-5th grade
• When: Saturday, February 24, 2024 | 11AM
• Where: Spain Park, 4700 Jaguar Dr, Birmingham, AL 35242
• Cost: $25
• Sign up here

How the Kids Marathon works

If you’re concerned about thousands of kids running a marathon (26.2 miles!) in one day, don’t worry. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Marathon is a lot of more creative than that.

Instead of a one-day race, the Kids Marathon is stretched over several months. Not only is it much more possible to complete, it’s also a wonderful way to encourage kiddos to keep moving.

Here’s how it works:

• Fall Training: For 5 months before the race, Kids Marathon racers run a total of 25.2 miles in 1/4-, 1/2-, 3/4- or 1-mile increments.
• Keeping Track: Kids can run the 25.2 miles with a parent or in PE (or both!) and keep track of their progress.
• Race Day: On the day of the Kids Marathon, racers complete the final mile of their marathon together at Spain Park.

Pretty awesome, right? Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama thinks so, too.

Why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama supports the Kids Marathon

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama plays an active role in keeping Birmingham residents healthy, and that’s why the Kids Marathon is the perfect event for them to sponsor. The event is now in its 14th year!

After it was announced that the Mercedes Marathon Weekend was ending after the 2023 event, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama got an overwhelming community response to bring the Kids Marathon back.

“Parents said the marathon introduced their children to running, and many went on to participate in track and field in high school and even college. We are honored that Mayor Brocato and the City of Hoover recognize the importance of this event and stepped up to offer their support to make it a success for our children.”

Sophie Martin, Director of Corporate Communications and Community Relations, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Martin and her team recognize the importance of getting kids moving regularly, which helps:

• Build overall strength
• Control weight
• Improve heart + lung fitness
• Reduce symptoms of anxiety + depression
• Reduce the risk of developing health conditions in adulthood

Over 4,000 children participated in the most recent Kids Marathon. That’s a lot of steps.

Students will soon begin racking up their miles for the upcoming event. Don’t wait—sign up for the 2024 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Marathon today.

2024 Kids Marathon race day at Spain Park

On the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Marathon race day, all the training and tracking pays off. All the kids come together to run the last marathon mile. It’s a rewarding, fun time for both kids and their parents.

Kids can track their time during the race to see how far they’ve come since the beginning of the 26.2-mile journey, but there are no winners and losers—everyone’s a winner in this special event!

Ready to get your kids moving? Sign up for the 2024 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Marathon today.

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