Why this program aims to hook toddlers on running
1st of its kind on P.E.I., say organizers
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.4717645.1529661314!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_1180/youth-running-series-nova-scotia.jpg?im=Resize%3D780)
Children as young as two are invited to join a new running series that begins Friday in Charlottetown.
Dr. Kristy Newson, one of the organizers, said the program is the first of its kind on P.E.I. but there is a similar youth running series in Nova Scotia.
The racing distances will range from half a kilometer for pre-school up to 1.5K for the kids in Grades 4 to 6.
"Overall it will improve their fitness but if we can get kids enjoying running just for the sport of it and for the comraderie of the races I think that would be a great goal," said Newson.
"Like any sport if you start them early they may get the love for and continue running throughout their life."
The race is on at 6 p.m. Friday on the Confederation Trail behind The Mount.
This is a kickoff race and the hope is to have a full series of 10 races starting in the fall.
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With files from Island Morning