Clarion Elementary Running Club Holds Kids Marathon

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(Clarion Area Elementary Running Club Release)

Nearly 70 young runners laced up their shoes on Sunday, April 19 for a special milestone at PennWest University Stadium in Clarion — completing a full marathon.

The one-mile Kids Marathon race served as the culminating event for the Clarion Elementary Running Club’s spring season. Over the past several weeks, students in the club logged 25.2 miles through practices and organized runs. Sunday’s celebratory mile brought each participant to the full 26.2-mile marathon distance, a remarkable accomplishment for elementary athletes.

The event was made possible through the partnership and sponsorship of Kids of Steel, a youth running initiative of P3R. Kids of Steel not only sponsors the Clarion Elementary Running Club, but for the second consecutive year agreed to bring an official Kids Marathon event to Clarion — making this the largest Kids of Steel club located this far from Pittsburgh to host its own race.

Participants received the full race-day experience, complete with goodie bags, finisher medals, and race T-shirts just like those awarded at the flagship Kids of Steel event in downtown Pittsburgh. Students also have the opportunity to take part in that larger celebration on May 2, held the day before the Pittsburgh Marathon.

The day was a tremendous success and a celebration of fitness, perseverance, and community support. Special thanks go to Molly Kirby, Amy Switzer, Chandra Scheftic, the Clarion Area School District administration, the dedicated volunteers of the Clarion Elementary Running Club, PennWest University for hosting the event at their stadium, and Maria Decello from P3R Kids of Steel for helping bring this opportunity to local students.

What began as weekly miles after school ended in a proud finish line moment, as dozens of young runners officially became marathon finishers — a memory they will carry with them for years to come.