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The Canberra Kids Marathon has a unique format that allows children kindergarten through high school to run a marathon...one kilometre at a time. The Canberra Marathon feels strongly that exercise should be a healthy part of every child's life, however we also think it should be fun!
The goal is for each child to complete 40 kilometres before race weekend. This can be done on your own time, with a training group of friends or at school if your school is running a training program. On race day, children who are registered will complete the final 2.195km on the Canberra Marathon course in front of family, friends, and spectators.
Every child leaves the event feeling like a winner and sporting a gold medal. We do not award prizes to the fastest children overall nor is the event timed, but rather reward and acknowledge each and every child that comes out and participates.
The goal of the Kids Marathon is to give participants the opportunity to increase their level of physical activity while focusing on reaching a goal. We hope to motivate children and their families to commit to a healthy lifestyle and develop a daily fitness routine, which will ultimately give the child and their family the positive effects of better health and self confidence through achieving goals, not only in crossing the finish line but in life. Crossing the finish line is only the beginning of a lifetime of positive steps!
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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 42.195 kilometres. The Canberra Kids Marathon will get you on your way to being physically fit.
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it's a great way to have fun
running and walking makes you physically fit
you can run or walk anytime and anywhere
you don't need special equipment
you get to be part of Australia's oldest city marathon!
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Jackie Fairweather has been our Race Patron since the introduction of the Kids Marathon in 2004.
Jackie was the bronze medallist in the marathon at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002. Many of you will remember Jackie as the athlete who dominated women’s triathlon for much of the 1990s. She was voted Australian Sports Woman of the Year in 1996 and Australian Triathlete of the Year in 1993 and 1996; ITU Triathlon World Championships gold medal 1996 and silver in 1995, 1997 and 1999; Australian Formula One series champion 1996, 1997 and 1998; and Australian National Triathlon series champion 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1999, amongst a host of other achievements.
Jackie's inspiration over the past few years has proven to be of great benefit to the Kids Marathon entrants. Jackie will be with us on marathon Sunday to support and encourage all our Kids Marathoners.
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Rod Dixon is the International Ambassador of the Kids Marathon.
Rod Dixon, the Flying Kiwi, has been described as "one of the the most versatile middle and long distance runners in history".
Best remembered for his win in the 1983 New York City Marathon Rod's career was long and spectacular. A three time Olympian Rod was a bronze medallist in 1500m at the 1972 Munich Games, 4th in the 5000m in Montreal 1976 at and recorded a 10th placing in the marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
Rod's list of achievements in running are extensive but it is his passion for running that continues to drive his involvement in the sport. Rod's support of the event is only surpassed by the energy he brings to race day, motivating the children on the start line & running the event with them.
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Left: Rod Dixon's memorable win in the 1983 New York City Marathon |
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Medals: 2010 is the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon. Marathoners around the world will becoming part of the legend when they run this year.
To celebrate, we have created a special edition, commemorative medal. Medals such as these will feature in marathons around the world in 2010, highlighting the importance and symbolism for world peace and solidarity.
All participants who complete the kids marathon will receive a souvenir medal when they cross the finish line.
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Post race: Immediately after the completion of the kids marathon, participants will be served breakfast at the finish line while they await the arrival of the first finishers in the Canberra Marathon (due around 9.15am). |
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Souvenir photographs: Marathon-Photos.com will attempt to capture every finisher in the Kids Marathon at the finish line. These photographs will be available for purchase on the website www.marathon-photos.com shortly after the event.
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Finishers' Certificates: will be available on the Marathon-Photos.com website on Wednesday, following the event.
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