It is as simple as putting on a pair of sneakers

Joanne Oostveen - The Weekly News
Want to know how to get your kids to turn off the computer and turn on to the great outdoors? And win some money for their school?
The Youth Running Series is a non-profit organization that offers youth age 17 years and younger a chance to take part in running races in metro. And the more races you run, the more chances you have to collect some cash for your school to purchase new gym equipment.
"It is as simple as putting on a pair of sneakers," said Micheline McWhirter, president of the Youth Running Series. "All youth of any level can take part in running as a means to a healthy, active and positive lifestyle."
There are seven YRS races starting in May and ending in October.When a child registers for a race they indicate what school they attend. The registration fee is $4 per youth per race, $20 for all seven races or a full series family cost is $40.
"After the race the most runners from a school receive the school trophy," she said. "This happens at each race. After the seven races money prizes for new gym equipment will be awarded to the top five schools who had the greatest number of participants over all the races. First place is $600, second is $500, third is $400, fourth is $300 and fifth is $200."
"Not bad for just lacing up your shoes," said McWhirter.
YRS is affiliated with Run Nova Scotia and has sponsorship from Doctor's Nova Scotia, Aerobics First, Athletics Nova Scotia and Capital Health.
"And if parents want to run the race with their children, that is OK too," said McWhirter.
Drew Himmelman,10, is a student at St. Catherine's School in Halifax. She has been taking part in the YRS races for four years. She said the best thing she has learned from these races is that running has helped her in all her sports.
"I play soccer and am involved in gymnastics and swimming," she said. "You need to run and be healthy for all these things, and running makes me feel strong."
And McWhirter said exposing youth to a sport like running often comes naturally to kids.
"They love being outdoors and just moving their legs and following the others," she said. "They also learn how to pace themselves and to help those kids younger than themselves."
When running in a race Drew said she has learned that although winning is fun, it is not everything.
"I know that you shouldn't be mad if you don't win," she said.
The first race of the season will be on May 1 at Point Pleasant Park. The younger children run for one kilometre, while the older teens can run distances of three kilometres.
Registration is now open, but participants can also just show up on race day and pay their entrance fee.
Drew said she is looking forward to the first race and wishes more kids would come out to run too.
"You have to kick your legs hard for swimming and you have to run fast after the ball in soccer. Running makes me better for everything," she said. "I think I will be running for the rest of my life."
For more information on how to register for the races, call 488-0890 or go to www.youthrunningseries.ca.
joanneoostveen@accesswave.ca