Running
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Bringing Families Together
Summer is just around the corner allowing more time to spend with our family. Many families are planning “stay-cations this year rather than taking a more expensive vacation due to the economy. Or “mini vacations” or weekend getaways are another great way to get away from it all and spend time as a family. Incorporate your love of running into these getaways and you have a great summer family activity. 
Running is a great family activity even if there are differences in fitness or age. Virtually anyone can participate, even if they walk the one mile or jog in a fun run event. Running does not require expensive equipment or gear, and it is a healthy, cost effective activity. Pick a race that offers multiple events in a unique location and you have a great family getaway.
Many of the Run and See Georgia Grand Prix races provide something for the whole family, offering a variety of events, from fun runs to one mile to 5K’s to relays where the whole family can run a leg of a race. The series was started 20 years ago as a way to combine a love of running and travel to unique and different parts of Georgia. Why not consider it as you plan your family activities this summer?
Running Events
The Mountain Ranger Run, scheduled for the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend is a unique event that offers a little something for everyone in the family. The venue is Camp Frank D. Merrill located 30 minutes outside of Dahlonega, near the Chattahoochee National Forest. The event offers a 1 Mile Fun Run, 5K and a 15K run, a 34K Bike, a team event for teams of 6 and a Duathlon that includes a 5K/34K Bike/2 Mile Run. The events are held in conjunction with the 5th Training Battalion’s Open House which showcases the US Army Ranger’s combat techniques, mountaineering and static displays.
There are so many different running centered weekend events that the whole family can enjoy if you just consider them as you plan. Below are some other ideas:
Tips to Remember
Make your family running trips fun and relaxed. Don’t turn the events into a family “boot camp” or try to push someone beyond what they are trained to do. Even if a family member walks an event, it is still a healthy and fun activity. Your family event should not be a race. The value of any family activity is how it can bring a family together around a common activity or theme. Other tips to make it fun include:
- If you want to get in your miles, run a few miles at your own pace before everyone else starts out, then you can keep pace with your family members and not feel like you are not getting your workout.
- Make everyone feel a part of the run by keeping the slowest runners pace so they don’t feel embarrassed or inferior because they are not faster.
- Consider the fitness level of each family member, especially children, who should not be expected to run longer distances or others who may not be trained for longer distances. Everyone should run to their fitness ability.
Remember, run as a family and keep it fun. The goal is to enjoy family time together combined with your love of running. What was that old saying …”the family that plays [I mean runs] together stays together”? |
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