Running is a great sport for kids that can benefit both their physical and mental development. And luckily, there are ample regional opportunities this spring and summer for kids to participate in running. Lace up your sneakers and check out these family-friendly runs and races.
Healthy Kids Running Series
Multiple locations
Ongoing
The Healthy Kids Running Series was created to motivate kids to lead an active and healthy lifestyle through a positive introduction to the world of running. Children are split into age categories to determine their running distance, ranging from a 50-yard dash for the youngest participants (2 and 3 year olds), to a mile or more for middle school-aged kiddos. Races take place weekly over five weeks, and series are running in several area locations including Springfield, Jacksonville and Rochester.
Lincoln Memorial Garden Kids’ Fun Run
Saturday, June 7
Immediately following the 8K Trail Race for adults, Lincoln Memorial Garden will host a Kids’ Fun Run. Distances range according to kids’ ages from 34 yards to 415 yards. These are shorter distances around the pond in Cawley Meadow, best for preschool and elementary-aged runners, and each participant receives a T-shirt and a finishing medal.
Y Ninja Obstacle Run
Saturday, June 7
The YMCA of Springfield hosts the third annual Y Ninja Run at the Kerasotes YMCA. This popular event is for kids and parents, and features more than 20 inflatable and constructed obstacles across the grounds, as well as a celebration party after the run. Y Ninja benefits the Y Strong Kids Fund, which provides a Y experience for underserved, at-risk youth and those with diverse abilities in our community.
Animal Protective League Donuts and Dogs 5K
Saturday, June 7
Bring the whole family out to Southwind Park to support the Animal Protective League by running or walking 5K (timed and untimed registrations are available). Sociable, leashed dogs are welcome. If you’d like to make this a family fundraising mission, you have the option of setting up a team fundraiser to raise additional money for the animals. Mel-O-Cream donuts will be available for participants.
Little Miracles 5K
Saturday, June 21
Participants in the Little Miracles event will run or walk the loop around Washington Park to benefit the NICU at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital. There are adult and children’s age brackets, and you may choose to cover either 5K or 3K. Each runner or walker receives a finisher’s medal.
Superhero Hustle 5K
Saturday, June 28
The Downtown Kiwanis organize this fun run/walk for the whole family, which takes place at Scheels and is presented by Springfield Clinic. Costumes are encouraged and all kids get a cape. Go at your own pace, run or walk with your family and help raise funds for community programs such as the James Project and UIS Soccer.
Women’s Distance Festival Kids’ Run
Saturday, July 7
The Kids’ Fun Run will be held immediately following the two-mile course through Washington Park and will start at the top of the hill near the finish line. This is an untimed event for children age 12 and under. All participants in the kids’ fun run will receive a medal and treat bag at the finish line.
Springfield Kids Triathlon
Saturday, July 19
The Springfield Bicycle Club presents the 11th annual Springfield Kids Triathlon. This event is a fun and exciting challenge for kids ages 5 to 13. All registrants receive a finisher’s medal, event T-shirt and refreshments, as well as a chance to win an age group award. Kids ages 5-6 can register for a mini-triathalon, and ages 6-13 may register for a full triathalon. The swim will be held in the Nelson Center’s 50-meter pool. The bike is a lap around Lincoln Park and the run takes place on a grass field in Lincoln Park. There is no same-day registration, you must be signed up by July 17.
Pamela Savage is a freelance writer in Springfield who enjoys running, and so do her two kids.
This article appears in Summer 2025 May 2025.
