Spartan Kids Earning Their Stripes

Any time my kids make lots of mess in the house or get dirty outside, I sigh and wish that I find some place where they can be as crazy as they want to be without a fear of punishment. I was a wild child growing up and I understand that kids just want to be kids, however being a mom I am the one stuck with cleaning, scrubbing, washing, etc etc etc.

When I found out that there is Spartan Kids race taking place here in Illinois, I was like “SIGN ME UP!” I swear, I didn’t even ask the kids – I knew they would be super excited. And I am not sure which one of my kids needed more, the 5-year-old tomboy boy or the overly active 3-year-old, who doesn’t know how to stay still (Yes, I am that lucky. Sometimes I think this is a payback from anyone who had to deal with me when I was little). However, besides being a completely wild experience, I wanted my kids to do something totally awesome.

With the temperatures drop here on Midwest and a flu season in a full swing, I was a bit concerned, but with the help of vitamins, healthy food, and natural remedies we made it to the event date OK. 2 hour drive seemed like a small price to pay for a great activity, and I was happy we were not the only ones who felt this way. The Spartan Race has organized this event for and with so many visitors from all over the country, it was difficult to find a parking spot. Spartan Kids race included 400 kids (4 – 14 years old) at this event from IL, IN, WI, and IA.

But before we go any further, here is a quick 411 on the organizers of the Spartan Race:

WHAT IS A SPARTAN RACE?
Spartan Race is an obstacle course race is designed to test your resilience, strength, stamina, quick decision making skills, and ability to laugh in the face of adversity. We want to own obstacle racing and our unique obstacle course trail races will demand every ounce of your strength, ingenuity, and animal instinct.

WHAT IS KIDS FIT FOUNDATION?
Kids Fit programs and events are designed to be a day for kids to reach their goals and to celebrate their healthy lifestyle achievements with their families and friends. Dan and Jackie (mother-son team from Season 5 of the Biggest Loser) are eager to share their stories of how fitness changed their lives, educate kids on exercise and nutrition, and inspire our youth to get moving!  Their mission is to motivate kids, families and communities that fitness is an essential part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.

WHAT IS A SPARTAN RACING FOR KIDS?
Spartan Race and Kids Fit Foundation partnered together for a special Spartan kids race with all the proceeds going to the Kids Fit Foundation. Kids ages 4-13 who can participate in their very own Jr. Spartan race. They will enjoy the thrill of the run, a variety of scaled down obstacles and their own mini festival area filled with games and children’s challenges!

Look at this impatient crowd, but who can blame these Spartan Kids: how often do you get to challenge yourself along side with the real athletes.

The obstacles of the Spartan Kids race where both challenging and fun. And with the help of parents and volunteers anyone approaching the obstacle, was able to make through it.

Some ran solo and some – in teams, but at the end everyone made it to the finish line and got a well deserved medal. Dirty, hungry, and extremely happy my kids had no desire to leave  – they wanted to learn more.

Both kids were disappointed that they couldn’t slide the muddy slide with the adults and my daughter told her father that she is planning to grow big and strong, come back here and do all the grownup challenges .

My son decided to take part in the pull-up challenge, because … well, why wouldn’t he?

I’d like to say big Thank You to the organizers of this event. However, my even bigger appreciation goes to the volunteers that were on the course with the kids. BIG HUGE THANK YOU to the parents of 400  Spartan kids from IL, IN, WI, IA who made it a priority to come to the Spartan Kids Race in Marceilles, IL. With the obesity rates at the highest, it is so important for us, the parents, to take the best care of our kids. It is up to us to challenge our kids even if that means challenging ourselves to hours of driving and getting them to the right place. Our kids will face many challenges in their live and I feel that if we give them an opportunity to challenge and earn their stripes and medals at an early age, we do something right as parents.

Trust me, the kids do not take their medals for granted, because THEY EARNED IT!

And if you would like to learn more about the Spartan Race for the adults and kids 14+, check out the story Midwest Super Spartan Race – Best Obstacle Race of the Year? by my friend Tony.