
2010 marks the 10th running of the GO! St. Louis Marathon and Family Fitness Weekend, Missouri’s largest fitness event. In addition to the full and half-marathon events, there are plenty of activities for families and kids to enjoy some fit fun in the (hopefully) sun.
The marathon, which takes place on Sunday, April 11, will be preceded by a day of family fitness events on Saturday, April 10 in Forest Park. At 9:15 area school children will participate in the Read, Right and Run Marathon®, launched in 2001 to develop reading proficient, physically fit and community minded children by challenging them to READ 26 books, RIGHT the community with 26 good deeds, and RUN 26.2 miles over a six-month period. Participating K-5 students will run their final 1.2 miles and the middle-schoolers will run a 5K (3.1 miles). More than 30,000 area students have accepted the challenge since the program was established.
A series of Childrens Fun Runs will begin at 10:15 a.m. at Cricket Field, featuring four different events for children, including a “Diaper Dash” for toddlers and three races for children ages two to 10, a 50-yard dash, 100 yard dash or half mile run. Kids enjoy the thrill of victory from completing a fitness goal. Each child receives an event t-shirt and commemorative finisher’s medal. In past years, nearly 300 children have participated in one of the four different distances.
For all of the weekend’s exciting fitness activities, visit www.gostlouis.org.
By Amy Burger, Events Blogger for SmartParenting
Amy Burger is a mom, freelance writer and communications professional with nearly 20 years experience working in St. Louis. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and media outlets including STL Parent, Missouri Life magazine, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Town & Style and kdhx.org, among others. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful girls at home in Kirkwood.
At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Splash and play with your little one in this fun morning activity. No registration is necessary.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
Meet up in Forest Park for a fun storytime followed by nature adventures! These free story times are open to children of all ages and their caregivers.
Is it time to potty train your toddler? The St. Louis County Library is offering Potty Training 101 to parents of children ages 2-3. This free workshop for parent and child includes a potty-themed storytime, and parents & caregivers will receive information to get them started on the potty training process. Attendees will also receive a potty seat, step stool, training pants and a potty-themed board book.