1. THE BROOMFIELDER™
APRIL201530
Admit it: you have spring fever.
You want to get outdoors and move!
T
his month we found a perfect reason to get out your
running shoes and answer that urge to shrug off the winter:
the 6th
Annual Frank Shorter RACE4Kids’ Health 5K on
April 12 at the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield. Way more than
just a race, kids and adults alike can learn about innovative exercise
and wellness plus numerous activities geared toward healthy living.
Dr. Chris Marchioni is the Executive Director of Healthy
Learning Paths, a children’s health advocacy non-profit and
founder of the race. “There is no other event like this in our state,”
shesays.“Wedon’tjusttalkabouthealth,thiseventallowseveryone
to experience a journey that is fun, invigorating, and outrageous!”
FrankShorter,Olympicmarathongoldmedalistandco-founderof
theBolderBoulder10Krace,isthenamesakeoftheevent.Hissupport
hashelpedattracthundredsofrunnerswithproceedsbenefitingHealthy
Learning Paths’ Be Well, Learn Well school program prompting kids
to make choices that are healthy and have lifelong benefits.
The “outrageous” reference Chris makes has to do with her
organization’sgoalstoeliminatetype2diabetesinkids. “Outrageous?
Yes,” she says. “Within our reach? Absolutely! Healthy Learning
Paths empowers children and families to lead healthy lives,” she says.
Last year more than 40 schools had kids compete in the race
– Broomfield’s Emerald Elementary is the defending 2014 school
winner. This year the school with the highest number of students
to complete the 5K will win $250 and a trophy. Teachers, coaches,
and parents have been encouraged to rally together students and team
leadersbringingingroupsofsixormorearegivenafreeentryfortheir
school mascot to join in the race. The addition of dozens of mascots
running adds some additional fun energy to this competitive event.
The race is much more than some neighborhood fun run: all
participants will get exact electronic chip timing results and this is
a Bolder Boulder endorsed qualifier. A new addition this year is
Mazzola’s Miracle Mile Relay.This race honors Joseph R. Mazzola, a
local visionary and volunteer who worked passionately to empower
children to lead healthy and happy lives. Many Broomfield residents
remember Mr. Mazzola through his work with the Rotarians,
Healthy Learning Paths, and several other local non-profits and he
was a Heart of Broomfield award winner in 2010.
Forthelittlestparticipantsandtheirfamiliesthere’stheDiaper
Dash! Strollers are welcome in the 5K at the back of the last wave.
However for the safety of participants, no dogs are allowed.
Healthy Learning Path’s theme is “Connecting Wellness and
Learning for Kids” – so in addition to the race there is the family-
friendly Health Odyssey Expo presented by Whole Foods where
“Science, Engineering, and Health Collide for Kids.” Additional
games, demonstrations, and hands-on activities from more than
75 vendors with themes of health, wellness, fitness, and physical
activity are also included.
For more information visit www.healthylearningpaths.org
and click on Frank Shorter Race4Kids’ Health.
RACE4KIDS
A GREAT REASON TO LACE UP
AND HIT THE PAVEMENT!
By Dan Powers
F R A N K S H O R T E R