COLCHESTER/MACOMB – Getting fit can be fun! A new Kids Run the Nation program, which was originally developed by the Road Runners Club of America in 1986, is launching for West Prairie School District students in grades kindergarten through sixth, beginning May 31 in Colchester thanks to a grant from McDonough Power Cooperative.
Since its launch nearly 40 years ago, Kids Run the Nation has distributed thousands of curriculum guides to programs of all sizes to help kids across the country discover the joy and lifelong benefits of physical fitness. The free program, which is sponsored by Memorial Medical Clinic’s Youth Wellness Initiative, will take place every Saturday at Friendway Park in Colchester, from 10 a.m.-noon through July 26. Participants do not have to attend every week. The program will include lunch, games and produce boxes. Jimmie Koller, owner of Brown’s Shoe Fit in Macomb, will also be on site on day one to provide free shoe fittings for the participating students.
According to Memorial Medical Physical Therapist Katie Ruebush, who will run the summer program, the purpose of the Kids Run the Nation program is to support and grow youth fitness in schools and communities nationwide. Ruebush began exploring the program in 2013 when she was in her final semester of graduate school and learned of a physical therapist doing something similar in St. Louis.
“Now that I have kids in this district and also see local students as patients, it is evident that our community needs resources like this. This program is a form of preventative medicine and hopefully it grows to become something offered more than just in the summertime,” Ruebush explained. “Our program will focus on encouraging a healthy lifestyle through activity and healthy eating, which can also be fun.”
The national program welcomes children of all genders and abilities and supports USDA physical activity goals to help develop lifelong fitness habits. The Colchester-area program is supported by Memorial Hospital and McDonough Power Cooperative.
“West Prairie staff has been very supportive along with several community members,” Ruebush added. I appreciate all of those who have supported this idea. We look forward to kicking this off May 31.”
Koller added he wanted to take part to help educate students and their parents on how important it is to have proper fitting footwear.
“At the end of the day if your shoes feel good your body will feel good as well. It all starts with footwear,” he said.
To register, visit or call Ruebush at (309) 221-9888.
