DERRY — The starting gate for 2012 edition of the Greater Derry Track Club's Kid's Summer Fun Run program is just around the corner.
It's presented by MVP Health Care, with financial support also provided by Delta Dental and Parkland Medical Center.
The series is entering its 37th year. Opening day is Tuesday, June 26, and it runs on consecutive Tuesdays through Aug. 7. Registration is at 6 p.m., and racing starts at 6:30 p.m.
There's a big change this year: The program is at the Londonderry High School track.
Greater Derry Track Club members will lead stretching exercises and offer running tips. Race groups are based on the following age groupings: 2- and 3-year-old, 50 meters; 4- to 6-year-olds, 200 meters; 7- and 8-year-olds, 300 meters; 9- and 10-year-olds, 600 meters; 11- to 13-year-olds, cross-country mile; 14 and older, 1-mile run on track. There also is an all ages adaptive 100-meter run.
Water, Gatorade and watermelons will be supplied each week.
Children will receive participation ribbons each week from Derry Parks and Recreation, and runners who complete the entire series will receive medals and T-shirts from GDTC.
The mission of the program is to encourage running in the community and to promote a healthy life style for local youth.
It is open to everyone 2 years old and up, and there is no need to be a club member or an elite athlete to participate.
The sponsors cover all registration fees, but participants are asked to bring along a nonperishable food donation to support local food banks.
Avoid the lines by bringing completed registration forms and waivers. Visit gdtc.org ahead of time to obtain the forms and to learn more about the club.
Rain delays and cancellations will also be posted on the website. E-mail any questions to info@gdtc.org.
The Greater Derry Track Club is a non-profit charitable organization formed in 1978 to promote running related activities and improvements to the community. The Kid's Summer Fun Run program is one of the four events sponsored and conducted by the GDTC. The other events are the Boston Prep 16 M (January), Mack's Run for the Apples Cross Country 5K (August), and Turkey Trot 5K (Thanksgiving Day morning).
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