A pack of young runners prepare to run at a past “Kids Fun Run” held by WHY Racing.
In an effort to combat childhood obesity and encourage kids to set a goal, train for that goal and cross the finish line, WHY Racing Events is allowing kids 17 years and younger to race for free at all remaining 2018 WHY Racing Events. The next run is the Columbia River Sunset 5K/10K at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17 at Frenchman’s Bar, 9612 NW Lower River Road, in Vancouver.
“In the U.S., the percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s when I was a kid,” Sherri McMillan, owner of WHY Racing Events, said in the announcement. “Nearly one in five school age children and young people has obesity. We have to get these kids off their electronic devices and get them outside playing, training and experiencing the joy of racing and the accomplishment of crossing the finish line.
“Not only will this help them physically, but also mentally and emotionally as well,” she added. “If we can provide a venue that is family friendly and enable a family to register, train and race together, an entire family can be positively impacted.”
Children can register for free with a parent or guardian at whyracingevents.com/event/993.
Why Racing Events offers 12 different events per year and is the largest producer of multi-sport events in the Northwest. Their company was founded on the belief that if an athlete can figure out their “WHY,” everything else takes care of itself.
Why Racing offers athletes of all abilities, from the elite level to the back of the packers, from 2 year old to 98 year old athletes, the opportunity to successfully train for and complete various types of races while raising funds for community causes. Last year, their events raised over $150,000 for various local causes and this year, their events will raise over $1 million.
WHY Racing hosts some of the longest-standing events in the nation including the 22nd Pacific Crest Sports Festival, the 37th Blue Lake Triathlon, the 36th Hagg Lake Tri and the 12th Girlfriends Run for a Cure.
For more information, visit whyracingevents.com.
