Why you might want to explore running as a hobby with your kids
Running can be a hobby for the whole family. It's a chance to exercise, become part of a community of other runners and even support some of your favorite causes through fitness fundraisers.
1
Start small
Kids (and sometimes adults) can become overwhelmed and frustrated by new or large tasks. Start small and slow when introducing a child to running. Bringing it up over a family dinner can be a great way to start — mention that you'd like to try running with them and then let them tell you how they feel. Discussing any excitement or nervousness ahead of time can leave you both better prepared to explore running together.
Another idea is to watch videos of races or movies about running with a child to help build excitement and interest.
2
Make running fun
Kids love to have fun, so think about what you learned from discussing running together to make this enjoyable for both of you.
Some ideas:
- Create a running playlist with you child's favorite songs.
- Incorporate games or lighthearted challenges to keep things interesting.
- Explore your surroundings by planning running routes in new places.
- Celebrate achievements and wins — no matter how big or small.
3
Offer choices
To keep running fun, it should be something a child has a choice in. Being able to make their own choices helps children build self-esteem and confidence, and gives them a sense of control and leadership. Consider letting your child choose where they want to run or what types of challenges you can work on together.
4
Look for group running activities with other children
Running can be more fun with friends. Check to see if your area has a local kids' running group or team. If not, consider organizing one yourself to help your child make friends and create running opportunities for other kids.
5
Show kids how to set appropriate goals
Teaching children how to set goals is a skill that will come in handy throughout their lives, with benefits far beyond their running career. Think about their current running ability and focus on an age-appropriate and achievable goal that will help them progress.
You can also introduce the concepts of measuring progress and celebrating success, but keep things playful and lighthearted. Remember, this should be fun!
6
Run with your family
If running is something you’d like the whole family to get involved in, regularly set aside time to run as a group. Tying running to family time can help build a strong family bond and is a great way to make lasting memories.
Opportunities to run with your kids for St. Jude
St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend
The St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend is the largest single-day fundraiser for St. Jude. Held each December in Memphis, Tenn., it includes a marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K, with in-person and virtual options available for all distances. Please note that each race does have its own age policies and restrictions.
St. Jude Walk/Run
The St. Jude Walk/Run is family-friendly fundraising event for St. Jude held each September in support of our lifesaving mission. With more than 40 events across the U.S., as well as a virtual option, you can participate in the Walk/Run from anywhere.
Other St. Jude charity runs
Become a St. Jude Hero and you and your family can participate and fundraise for St. Jude at a number of races across the U.S. Check out our list of upcoming events.
Why support St. Jude?
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.
St. Jude has helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% in 1962 to 80% today. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer. Together, we can save more lives.
Be a St. Jude Hero, and make an impact for St. Jude kids
Being a St. Jude Hero means joining thousands of other runners who commit to raising funds for the kids of St. Jude — kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases — while training for their race.
St. Jude Heroes participate in some of the world’s greatest running events, including the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend.
You might also be interested in ...
-
Race Training Plans
Use our training plans to train for your marathon, half marathon, 10K or 5K.
-
Fundraising Info
Registration fees offset race costs, but marathon fundraising efforts support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
-
Register for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend
Register for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and kids marathon.