MISSOULA – It took weeks of preparation, but Saturday marked the start of the Missoula Marathon races.
Hundreds of kids ran along the Clark Fork River Trail for the Missoula Kid’s Marathon — a 1.2 mile race from the Boone and Crockett Club to Caras Park.
Back in April, kids started logging 25 miles of activity.
Anything from soccer practice, swim practice, gymnastics, dance, bike riding — anything — that combined with Saturday’s race added up to a 26.2 miles — a full marathon, for the children.
The kid’s race director, Kim O’Connor, is also a local third grade teacher.
“I love seeing kids run. I love the race atmosphere and I love getting to see them accomplish a goal,” O’Connor said.
“This is a really fun way to involve them in the race weekend and have a race that’s designed just for them,” she added.
Kids sported purple capes and walked away with goodie bags and participation medals.
O’Connor says it’s nice to have something dedicated for the kids, and some of her students even participated.
