THE BROOMFIELDER™ APRIL 201530

Admit it: you have spring fever. You want to get outdoors and move!

T his month we found a perfect reason to get out your running shoes and answer that urge to shrug off the winter: the 6th Annual Frank Shorter RACE4Kids’ Health 5K on

April 12 at the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield. Way more than just a race, kids and adults alike can learn about innovative exercise and wellness plus numerous activities geared toward healthy living.

Dr. Chris Marchioni is the Executive Director of Healthy Learning Paths, a children’s health advocacy non-profit and founder of the race. “There is no other event like this in our state,” she says. “We don’t just talk about health, this event allows everyone to experience a journey that is fun, invigorating, and outrageous!”

Frank Shorter, Olympic marathon gold medalist and co-founder of the Bolder Boulder 10K race, is the namesake of the event. His support has helped attract hundreds of runners with proceeds benefiting Healthy Learning Paths’ Be Well, Learn Well school program prompting kids to make choices that are healthy and have lifelong benefits.

The “outrageous” reference Chris makes has to do with her organization’s goals to eliminate type 2 diabetes in kids. “Outrageous? Yes,” she says. “Within our reach? Absolutely! Healthy Learning Paths empowers children and families to lead healthy lives,” she says.

Last year more than 40 schools had kids compete in the race – Broomfield’s Emerald Elementary is the defending 2014 school winner. This year the school with the highest number of students

to complete the 5K will win $250 and a trophy. Teachers, coaches, and parents have been encouraged to rally together students and team leaders bringing in groups of six or more are given a free entry for their school mascot to join in the race. The addition of dozens of mascots running adds some additional fun energy to this competitive event.

The race is much more than some neighborhood fun run: all participants will get exact electronic chip timing results and this is a Bolder Boulder endorsed qualifier. A new addition this year is Mazzola’s Miracle Mile Relay. This race honors Joseph R. Mazzola, a local visionary and volunteer who worked passionately to empower children to lead healthy and happy lives. Many Broomfield residents remember Mr. Mazzola through his work with the Rotarians, Healthy Learning Paths, and several other local non-profits and he was a Heart of Broomfield award winner in 2010.

For the littlest participants and their families there’s the Diaper Dash! Strollers are welcome in the 5K at the back of the last wave. However for the safety of participants, no dogs are allowed.

Healthy Learning Path’s theme is “Connecting Wellness and Learning for Kids” – so in addition to the race there is the family-friendly Health Odyssey Expo presented by Whole Foods where “Science, Engineering, and Health Collide for Kids.” Additional games, demonstrations, and hands-on activities from more than 75 vendors with themes of health, wellness, fitness, and physical activity are also included.

For more information visit www.healthylearningpaths.org and click on Frank Shorter Race4Kids’ Health.

RACE4KIDS

A GREAT REASON TO LACE UPAND HIT THE PAVEMENT!

By Dan Powers

F R A N K S H O R T E R