Rules for Kid's Running

Phil Lang, local youth running coach with over 19 years experience and two talented running daughters of his own, however, knows his stuff. “My rule is a kid can’t run in one day more miles than the grade they are in.”

So for a third grader, a 5k fits the bill; a sixth grader, up to a 10k, and so on. “This rule allows for progression, which is key, especially for youth,” says Phil. “Doing too much, too soon leads to failure in one way or another in almost every circumstance. Just because a kid wants to do a race doesn’t mean the parent has to let him or her.”