Kids Marathon

2009 Certificates Now Available

Kids marathon certificates now available at www.marathon-photos.com

Invitation

The SBS Bank Half Marathon has a unique format that allows kids from kindergarten through high school to run a marathon... one kilometre at a time. It will be held in conjunction with the annual SBS Bank Half Marathon Hamilton on Sunday 4th October 2009.

All Children are invited to commence a training program in August/September and start logging their kilometres. The aim is to run the first 40km of the marathon distance over a number of weeks in the child's own time, then on event day complete the final 2.195km on the actual marathon course.

This is great opportunity for children of school age to start an exercise program that will continue over a number of weeks and culminate in the completion of a 'marathon'

Lyn Harris, Race Director

What Is Marathon?

In ancient Greece, Phidippedes ran from the plains of Marathon to Athens to report about the Persian War. That is where the marathon got its name. Thousands of years later, people still run, but now they do it for fun.

About half a million people run marathons every year! People who run marathons train a lot. Your body must be in good shape to run a marathon. A marathon is 42.195km. The Kids Marathon will get you on your way to being physically fit.

Training Schedule

Below is a training schedule for suggested distances. If you can only run a little, keep trying. If you can run more than a kilometre a day, great! If you play a lot of sport where you run a lot, this may be easy. Just remember to space your workouts so you are prepared to run the final distance on marathon day. Early completion of the program is not recommended. The schedule leaves Saturdays and Sundays available for catch up days or to give you a rest day. It is important to keep track of your progress toward your goal. As you complete each kilometre colour or mark it off on your Kilometre Countdown Chart.

Mon 10 - Fri 14 Aug 1km/day 5km total
Mon 17 - Fri 21 Aug 1km/day 5km total
Mon 24 - Fri 28 Aug 1km/day 5km total
Mon 31 - Fri 4 Sept 1km/day 5km total
Mon 7 - Fri 11 Sept 1km/day 5km total
Mon 14 - Fri 18 Sept 1km/day 5km total
Mon 21 - Fri 25 Sept 1km/day 5km total
Mon 28 - Fri 2 Oct 1km/day 5km total

This is only a recommended schedule and you may choose to start your 'marathon' earlier or later than the dates above ... but don?t try to do too much too close to marathon day!

Important Information About Marathon Day

Where: Start/Finish at Hamilton Gardens. Start Time 11.30am

Distance: Final 2.195km of your Marathon

Course: In Hamilton Gardens

Eligibility: All school age children are encouraged to participate. The maximum age is 18.

Entry: One entry per entrant, to be completed and signed by the parent. $25.00 entry fee includes free T shirt. Entries close on 4th September 2009.

Enter Online: Enter online at www.hamiltonmarathon.org.nz

Training Guide: If you have entered manually on receipt of your entry we will post you a training guide if you require one. For those entering online you will be able to download a training guide.

Acknowledgement of entries: After we receive your completed entry form, we will forward you a confirmation of your entry.

Race Pack Collection: Available for collection at Hamilton Gardens Rotary Lounge from 12noon to 5pm Saturday 3rd October 2009 and from 7am to 11.00am Sunday 4th October 2009. Your race pack will include a T Shirt and race number which must be worn on race day.

Rewards: All finishers will receive a medal and a finisher's certificate. All participants must complete their race on race day to receive their medal. Make up distances and/or alternate race dates are not recognised.

 

Further information about this exciting event can be found at www.kidsmarathon.com.au