Sacramento school kids ready for two meets at Burbank High School

The Sacramento Running Association’s Spring Youth Fitness Program includes a series of free track meets at Luther Burbank High School for Sacramento elementary school students.

The meets, set for June 6 and 8, run from 3:30-6:00 p.m. The SRA plans to bus children in grades 3-6 from nine schools to the events.

Focusing on effort, spirit and respect, the meets encourage kids to make healthy choices for themselves and others.

U.S. Olympians Kate Grace and Kim Conley are expected to participate in the events.

“These meets offer a segment of our community, our youth, the opportunity to be exposed to the sport of track and field in a safe, healthy and fun environment,” SRA Executive Director Scott Abbott said. “We focus on effort, spirit and respect and encourage the kids to make the connection between fitness and fun.

“The kids are recognized for their commitment to those principles as we strive to not only teach them about the sport but also about how to be a productive and positive member of our community by making healthy choices in all facets of life.”

Competition is scheduled in the 100 and 400 meters, 4×100-meter relay, long jump, high jump, hurdles, shot put, discus and turbo javelin. The kids will also have an opportunity to explore yoga and boot camp-style activities courtesy of SRA partner California Family Fitness.

Participants will receive school-specific shirts, achievement ribbons and a medal from the Sacramento Running Association along with a goody bag from California Family Fitness.

Participating schools include Peter Burnett, John Bidwell, Ethel Phillips, Golden Empire, Edward Kemble/Cesar Chavez, John Cabrillo, Pony Express, Sequoia and Susan B. Anthony Elementary Schools.

SRA Kids Awards will be given out throughout the meets to student-athletes who best embody effort, spirit and respect. The SRA will also be recognizing an SRA Kids School of the Day with a special award.

The SRA’s Youth Fitness Program, which started in 1988, attracts more than 5,000 children annually. The spring program was added in 2010.

The Sacramento Running Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding ways to encourage people of all ages and abilities to run. The SRA is committed to developing new, quality running events that appeal to a broad variety of runners.

SRA events include the recently completed Gold Rush 50k, the inaugural Gold Country Half on June 11, the Capital Cross Challenge on Oct. 7, the Run the Parkway on Nov. 4, the 35th annual California International Marathon on Dec. 3, the Super Sunday Run on Feb. 4, 2018 and the Credit Union SACTOWN Run on April 8, 2018.