Great Lace Up Volunteers Needed for October 9 Kick-off

The Little Rockers Kids Marathon and Arkansas Children’s Hospital are hosting the "Great Lace Up" event on Saturday, October 9 at War Memorial Stadium.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., however kids are encouraged to pre-register for the kick-off event (click here).

Organizers need a few good men and women to help since they're expecting up to 600 kids. Volunteers are needed to help from 9 a.m. to Noon that day. If you’re interested, download a volunteer registration form (click here) and return it as soon as possible.

The fun begins with a "Monster Mash" warm-up. It's followed by a series of activities, including broomstick hurdles, a pumpkin relay, three-legged monster race, Mr. Bones relay race and a mummy wrap race, will be held. After all five activities are completed, participants will get to log their first mile of the 26.2-mile marathon training program. Kids ages 7-12 who complete the training program from November-February will have the opportunity to complete their final mile in front of friends, family and spectators in March.

They'll be giving away goody bags to the first 300 kids, including coupons to some of Little Rock’s most popular kid-friendly digs. There will also be face painting and a crafts table for the younger kids.

“The Great Lace Up event is a fun and exciting way for kids and their parents to learn more about the Little Rockers and how they can start training for the big day in March,” said Geneva Hampton, executive director of the Little Rock Marathon. “We want to motivate students to become more physically fit, and remind families that fitness can be fun in many different ways!”

The Little Rockers Kids Marathon encourages children ages 7-12 to become more active by following a fun, simple running and/or walking program. The goal for each child is to complete at least 25.2 miles before race day. Then, on race day, children who are registered and have reached their mileage goal will complete their final mile on the official Little Rock Marathon course in front of family, friends and thousands of spectators. A child can participate through an official Little Rockers program at their school, church or civic organization. Or a child can participate at home with an adult’s help.

“We are proud to sponsor and be a part of the Little Rockers Marathon again this year,” said Dr. Bonnie Taylor, medical director at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. “We hope to have another successful kick-off event, and look forward to cheering on hundreds of kids as they complete the final mile of the race. The kick-off event is a great way to encourage students to start a fitness program now in order to achieve a larger goal on race day.”

The 7th annual Little Rockers Kids Marathon Final Mile will begin at noon on Saturday, March 5, 2011, in the River Market District. Little Rockers is held in conjunction with the Little Rock Marathon, set for Sunday, March 6, 2011. The Little Rock Marathon and companion races are a project of and benefit Little Rock Parks & Recreation.