Virginia 10 Miler: 10th Mile Program for Kids - WSET.com - ABC13

Lynchburg, VA - The Virginia 10 Miler Race weekend isn't just about the elite athlete out there running 10 miles. There is a race for everyone -- even the kids.

The Amazing Mile Children's Run kicks off a weekend of festivities Friday, September 28.  Lynchburg City Schools are encouraging their students to get healthy and be prepared for the challenge.

To get the finish line, Lynchburg City School students are pounding the gym floor.  It's all part of the 10th Mile program geared at 3rd graders. 

Anne Bond-Gentry with Lynchburg City Schools is busy getting the program going this school year.

"Their movement ed teachers are working hard and they are keeping track of everybody how many miles they walk, jump or run," Bond-Gentry said.

"They put every one's name on it who wants to participate.  They keep the date, mark on there if they are walking, running and jumping in an effort to make the 9 miles," Bond-Gentry explained.  "The excitement is to go to the Amazing Mile and do the 10th one just like the folks running the Virginia 10 Miler."

Like a lot of the races, organizers are making more room for kids who want to participate this year.  Ashleigh Karol is helping for Amazement Square.

"Last year we actually went over capacity at 550 runners and this year we opened up 200 more spaces," Karol said. "So we will take up to 750 runners.'

Karol said they're glad to grow in the name of a healthy, family event.

"We want it to be a family event," Karol said. "The earlier you learn to exercise and that exercising is fun and staying active is good and healthy the whole family will catch on."

This is the first time organizers able to offer scholarships to Lynchburg City School 3^rd graders who might not be able to foot the entry fee.  The money is coming for the Virginia Department of Health.

"I saw some students the other day and there were a couple of little girls who were really excited, jumping up and down saying I want to get a scholarship because I want to run," Bond-Gentry said.  "So I think it's created a lot of energy and excitement."

They'll need that energy and excitement to carry them to the finish line.

There's more than just the mile race for kids.  There's a 1/4 Mile Run for kids younger than 5 and the 1/2 Mile Run for ages 6-9 too.

Registration is open and filling up fast.