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closeOnly about 38 percent of teens get enough exercise, according to the American Council on Exercise. But some Middle Georgia teens are trying to counteract this by participating in 5K races.
Grace Tinkey, a two-time winner of the Georgia Independent School Association cross country state championship, happily promotes 5Ks.
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Upcoming races
17th Annual Reindeer Run and Santa Stroll
When: Dec. 5; 5K starts at 8:30 a.m., Santa stroll starts at 9 a.m.
Where: The Children’s Hospital, 777 Hemlock St., Macon
Cost: $15
More information: 633-7866 or www.reindeerrunmacon.com
14th Annual Museum of Aviation Foundation’s Marathon/Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk
When: Jan. 16; Marathon/Half Marathon starts at 8:00 a.m., 5K Run/Walk starts at 8:15 a.m.
Where: Museum of Aviation, Ga. 247 and Russell Parkway, Warner Robins
Cost: $45/marathon, $35/half marathon, $20/5K run/walk
More information: 335-3426
“I think teens should get involved because it’s an awesome form of exercise — a 5K is 3.1 miles — and so many 5Ks are held for a good cause, like Reindeer Run is for our children’s hospital in Macon, the Susan Komen 5K is for cancer research and Jay’s Hope is for families of kids with cancer,” said Tinkey, a freshman at First Presbyterian Day School.
Because running is relatively inexpensive and a way to stay in shape, the popularity of 5K races has increased during the past few years, according to the American Council on Exercise.
“I started participating in 5Ks because I was training to complete a triathlon,” said Benji Johnston, a junior at Veritas Classical School.
Not only do 5Ks help with achieving personal goals, they also can lay a foundation for life-long health.
“Running in 5Ks is a great way to stay in shape and (have) fellowship with people,” Johnston said. Johnston ran many 5Ks this year and recently completed his first triathlon in May.
While running is an individual pursuit, it also can be a group activity. Often, finding one or more people with the same goals, such as training for a triathlon, can keep a runner’s motivation on track.
“I think that 5K races are so much fun and a great way to meet so many people of all ages that enjoy running. Everyone is always so encouraging to runners of all levels,” Tinkey said. “At some races, there are a lot of teens, like the Labor Day Race and the Reindeer Run.”
Tinkey said she especially likes traveling to races because it has become a bonding time for her family.
Many teens said they run to maintain their athletic ability.
“I run because I’m on the cross country team at my school, and running is my passion in sports,” said First Presbyterian Day School sophomore Chris Myers, who has completed about 20 5Ks. “I like to run because it’s what I’m good at. Road races are especially fun because they are usually really fast courses.”
Jayne McGaughey is a senior at Veritas Classical School.
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