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Maple Grove, MN – CycleHealth, a kid-powered wellness initiative of the YMCA of the North (YGTC), a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host the fourth annual Kidarod at Fish Lake Regional Park on Saturday, February 24, from 4 to 7:00 p.m. New this year, the event includes a family racing hour at 4:00 p.m., followed by kid-only glow racing from 5 to 7:00 p.m.
For the first time in American history, kids have a shorter life expectancy than their parents due to factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and declining participation in organized sports. The Kidarod, the nation’s largest winter adventure race for kids ages seven to 17, is embraced by pediatricians in more than 50 Twin Cities pediatric clinics as a way to motivate kids to get active. The event also marks the conclusion of CycleHealth’s Sweat 1000 challenge, which encourages kids and families to get active outside in the weeks leading up to the race.
The Kidarod is a partnership between YGTC CycleHealth and Three River Parks District that is an adventure race which includes trail running, hill-climbing, hiking, obstacles, sliding and more. The event will attract upwards of 600 youth participants (plus some parents in the first family racing hour) and will feature fun activities in addition to the race, including snowshoeing and fat bike demos, plus sled rides from husky sled dogs. For more information, visit cyclehealth.org.
“We are thrilled to provide unique wellness opportunities for kids,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “When we empower young people to develop healthy habits early, we set them up for future success.”
WHO:
YMCA of the North CycleHealth and Three River Parks District
WHAT:
Fourth Annual Kidarod
WHERE:
Fish Lake Regional Park at 14900 Bass Lake Road in Maple Grove, MN 55311
WHEN:
Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.
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About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 161 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 29 Y locations and program sites, seven overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 350,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcamn.org.