My little family and I recently ran the Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run in Tucson, Arizona. This race was a blast and definitely goes on my list of Top Family Friendly Races.

 

(For a free PDF program to prep your kids for a race, click HERE.)

The Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run 5K and 8 Miler

was recently featured in Runner’s World as one of 10 “Bucket List” Races That Go In Or Near A National Park. This particular race is one of three on the list that goes through the National Park. Read the article HERE. Special thanks to Randy Acceta, the Southern Arizona RoadRunners, and TMC for putting on the race and giving us some last minute entries.

At 34 weeks pregnant, I actually felt really great and was able to push my youngest (2 yrs. old) in our Bob Double Jogging Stroller (the best jogging stroller in the world, but I will save that for another post. :)) My 5 yr. old daughter ran about 2 of the three miles, stopping for a ride on the stroller when she needed a break. I was so proud of my 7 yr. old boy who stuck it all the way through, only pausing to walk through the water stations. My husband ran with all of us, cheering us on, taking pictures, and keeping up the morale of my 7 yr. old.

I was a little worried about this particular race and how the kids would hold up. I knew they would love the experience, but worried that it started at 6:15 AM and it was 45 minutes away! Waking children up super early only to run 3 miles sounded a little risky when considering their happiness factor. After all, most of us know what a bad idea it is to wake a sleeping child!

Here are a few things we did, that really worked well for the family to ensure a great time for all:

1.Talk it up: We engaged in lots of exciting talk about the upcoming race including where it was, and how fun it was going to be.

2. Prepare the night before: We put the kids to bed in their racing clothes. I did my daughters hair before bed to skip that step in the morning. We packed food for breakfast, and pillows and blankets in the car so that they could sleep on the way to the race. We made sure the stroller was ready to go, and we had clothes to throw on in the morning WITH race bibs attached.

3. Find an incentive that makes your kids EXCITED! I never… truly NEVER take my kids to McDonald’s but my husband motivated my seven yr. old to run the whole race without stopping by telling him that we could play at McDonald’s after the race. That really sealed the deal. When the other kids learned about it, they were so on board!

Seeing the satisfaction on my kids faces after what they had just accomplished was so gratifying. As I watched my oldest two run triumphantly through the finish line with the announcer yelling, “And here are our shortest racers yet! Wow! Look at them running strong!!!” my mommy heart skipped a beat. 😉

These are priceless moments. We talked about what we learned and how hard effort pays off. We also talked about the importance of exercise and what endorphins are. A wonderful memory was made, and best of all, the kids truly enjoyed it and were so happy they did it!

 

I ran into this cute prego mama, a volunteer at one of the aid stations. She is 17 weeks pregnant and we had twinsie For Two Fitness tanks on! These tanks are the best! You can find them HERE.

Hubby took over stroller duty the last mile so that I could chase down my oldest and watch him cross the finish line.

The kids were especially excited to get a free t-shirt and go into the finishers tents with all the race goodies and free stuff for the taking.

The running community is a great place for families and to raise kids. There are so many lessons that can be learned from running and racing including mental strength and endurance to do hard things. As a parent, it can be easy to assume that your kids would hate running a race and just wouldn’t want to do it. I promise they just might surprise you!

Seek out the family friendly races in your area. Often times kids under a certain age are free. In the case of the Saguaro National Parks Labor Day Run, kids 10 and under were free, strollers allowed, and kids still get all the perks!

Here are a few pictures from some other races that our family has participated in and loved.

 

The family that runs together, stays together!!!

Washington, Utah Turkey Trot (race entry- bring cans of food to donate)

The Color Run 5K (7 months pregnant with #3)

Their faces say it all…

Not a free race but worth it!

We loved the Color Run so much, we had to do it again, this time with three kids!

And as you can see this amazing Bob double stroller fit three kids on at once, one being in a car seat, keeping safety and speed in mind of course.

Team Kids Cafe Fun Run- Lubbock, Texas

I would LOVE to hear about the family friendly races you and your family have participated in or ones you’ve heard about in your area! My family and I are always looking for more!

Xoxo~ Laura