Healthy Kids Running Series
Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) is a national nonprofit organization that engages families through fun, community-based running programming for children and teens ages 2–18. The program gives kids a simple, joyful way to be active while building confidence and healthy habits. Children run at their own pace, take breaks as needed, and celebrate progress over time.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) leads and operates two HKRS programs in its service area: West Philadelphia and Norristown. Each location hosts two five-week series each year, one in the spring and one in the fall.
What Makes Healthy Kids Running Series Different
HKRS focuses on participation, encouragement and progress — not speed. Every child belongs, no matter their ability or experience.
Each race series includes:
- Age-appropriate distances, from a 50-yard dash to a 2-mile run
- Weekly points for older runners, with a chance to earn a trophy
- Volunteers cheering along the course to help kids finish with confidence
By creating a safe, upbeat outdoor space, HKRS helps children explore physical activity in a way that feels positive and achievable.
CHOP’s Role in the Community
CHOP supports the Healthy Kids Running Series programs in West Philadelphia and Norristown as part of its commitment to caring for children where they live and play.
- The West Philadelphia series began in 2014
- The Norristown series launched in 2023
- Program growth and access have been supported through CHOP Cares Grant funding
Making the Program Affordable and Accessible
CHOP removes cost barriers so more families can participate.
The national HKRS registration fee is typically $45–$50. With CHOP’s support, families pay just $5 per child to join the local series, and each participant receives:
- A runner shirt
- Weekly race bibs
- A goodie bag at the start of the series
- Snacks on race days
- A finisher medal at the end of the series
This approach reflects what local youth shared in CHOP’s Community Health Needs Assessment: kids want fun and easy ways to be active.
What Race Days Look Like
Race days feel more like a community celebration than a competition.
- West Philadelphia races take place on an open grass field
- Norristown races are held on a full track
Younger children warm up with games before short dashes. Older kids take on longer distances. Many families arrive early or stay after so kids can play on nearby playgrounds while parents connect.
HKRS also offers a Challenger Division for runners with disabilities, with flexible options to support each child’s needs.
Powered by Volunteers
CHOP’s HKRS in West Philadelphia and Norristown is 100% volunteer-run.
Each race day, volunteers:
- Set up the course
- Warm up runners
- Time races for older participants
- Cheer every child to the finish line
A local youth DJ — who first got involved with the program as a high school student — keeps spirits high, while long-time volunteers lead warm-ups and confidence-building chants that help every child feel ready to give it their all. Many volunteers and families return season after season, building strong relationships within the community.
The Impact at a Glance
- 125 average participants at each location per season
- 260 total miles run across both sites since 2014
How the miles add up:
- About 2 miles run each week across all race distances
- 10 miles per child each five-week series
- 20 miles per year at each site
Beyond the numbers, families often see big changes in just five weeks. Children who struggle in Week 1 often run independently by Week 5. Confidence grows. Pride grows. Healthy habits begin to take root.
Why Families Love Healthy Kids Running Series
Parents consistently share that HKRS helps start meaningful conversations at home about health and wellness. The program gives families a chance to move together, cheer together and build routines that last beyond race day.
As one parent shared, HKRS made it easier to talk with their children about what it means to be healthy — and to model those behaviors as a family.
Get Involved
Healthy Kids Running Series is open to families in West Philadelphia and Norristown.
- Register your child for an upcoming series
- Volunteer on race days
- Learn more about CHOP’s community health programs
Movement should feel fun, supportive and possible for every child. HKRS helps make that happen — one step at a time.
West Philadelphia
West Philadelphia
Norristown
Average number of participants at each location in each season’s series.
With approximately 2 miles run each week, participants have run 260 miles since the program’s inception in 2014
Your donation changes lives
“We loved [HKRS] because it was an excellent way to introduce our children to the health behavior of running/physical exercise which can lead to long term positive health outcomes. At the end of each race day, we easily transitioned our kids into developmentally appropriate conversations about what it means to be healthy...Health behaviors start at home and with those who are closest to you, modeling the behavior first. Although I'm not the most in shape person, I know it's my duty to show my children that we as their parents are committed to the health and wellness journey also!”
