Kid’s Mini Marathon Will Kick Off the 2013 Kroll’s Diner Bismarck Marathon

The Kroll's Diner Bismarck Marathon has become one of the state's premier running events, and now they are offering one more exciting reason to get involved.For the first time ever, the BNSF Kid's Mini Marathon will be held on Friday, September 20th, the evening before the marathon.

Kids 12 and under can participate in a series of running events on the State Capitol grounds from 5-7:30, including:

• 50 meter dash: Ages 5 and under
• 200 meter dash: Ages 6 - 8
• Half-Mile Run: Ages 9 - 12
• Mile Run: Open to any children up for the challenge!

Best of all, the mini-marathon is FREE and pre-registration is not required (although you can register online ahead of time to get a free t-shirt).

The vision of the event is to create a positive race experience for all ages and levels of fitness while promoting personal and community wellness. Board member Tanner Blair shared his personal vision of the inaugural event:

I just picture families and children converging on the Capitol grounds and participating in this amazing, wholesome community event.

The committee also announced that Lt. Governor Drew Wrigley and his wife, Kathleen, will help lead the annual event by serving as honorary chairs for the marathon. Kathleen discussed the motivation to get involved:

Our goal as a family is to help promote overall health and fitness for families in our community through all these events, especially the Kid's Mini Marathon.

The Kroll's Diner Bismarck Marathon is a non-profit community event that will contribute a portion of its annual net proceeds to local charities. This year, donations will be made to Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota, Charles Hall Youth Services, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, Bismarck Area Special Olympics, Bismarck Hockey Boosters, and YMCA Strong Kids.

If you're interested in participating in any of the weekend's activities, simply register online or print and mail your entry forms along with the associated registration fee.