The Mercedes Kids Marathon Registration Open at

The Mercedes Kids Marathon is an innovative five month endurance building running/walking program designed for children kindergarten (K5) through fifth grade. Children will run the distance of a full marathon (26.2 miles) over the course of the five month program. To achieve this goal, kids must train for the last mile of their marathon by running a total of 25.2 miles in 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 3/4 mile or 1 mile increments between September through January to qualify for race day participation. This is not a timed event and there are NO official winners. Our motto is "if you had fun you won"!!!

Students run in PE class and/or with a parent and keep a running log sheet to track their progress. Mileage is based on adult supervision and the honor system. As each child completes the final mile on the actual marathon course on Saturday, February 14, 2009, he/she will receive a Mercedes Kids Marathon Finisher’s Medal, a miniature version of the Mercedes Marathon finisher’s medal.

Log Sheet

All runners must keep track of their miles on a mileage log sheet. Your PE coach may provide your child with one or you can download one from our Web site. Your child can chart their miles in 0.25-mile increments and won’t have to feel pressured to run a complete mile when they begin their training. However, if your child is training with their school’s PE class they may structure it different. Upon completion of 25.2 miles, each child/school must mail or fax their log sheet/s by January 30, 2009 to the Mercedes Marathon office. Our fax number is (205) 870-7729 or mail to Mercedes Marathon, P.O. Box 59260, Homewood, AL 35259. This completed log sheet is required in order to complete the final mile on Saturday, February 14, 2009. To download a log sheet click here.

Safety

Your child’s safety is the most important priority for our race staff. We go to great measures to insure their safety and we appreciate everyone abiding by our rules to accomplish our mission. First, each grade will have a designated colored T-shirt that your child must wear on race day. Your packet will also contain two identical race numbers for your child. Your child is required to wear one race number on the front of their shirt so race officials may see it. The other race number is required for the parent or guardian to have so they may identify and pick up their child after the race. No children will be allowed to leave their designated area unless the adult has this matching race number. No IDs will be accepted in place of the race number. You MUST have the matching race number! Second, we will have uniformed officials such as firemen, policeman, athletic teams and high school ROTC members running with the children. They will insure that the runners stay on the correct course while offering them encouragement to finish their marathon goal. This is also another reason your child must wear their designated race day T-shirt so our officials can identify them. Your children are our children and with your help, we will make sure they have an enjoyable and safe experience!

T-shirt Colors

Kindergarten – Red
First Grade – Blue
Second Grade- White
Third Grade – Gray
Fourth Grade – Gold
Fifth Grade – Black

Final Race Instructions

Registered participants will receive their final instructions via email in early January regarding packet pick up times, locations and race day details. To ensure that you receive our e-mails, please add kids@mercedesmarathon.com to your address book. And please read these instructions as they will answer all your questions regarding the events of race day!

Registration Dates/Fees

Now through November 15, 2008 - $20 Click to download Adobe PDF file

(form can be typed online, or printed and entered by hand. Saving pdf files with data requires software on your computer)

Late Registration - ONLINE ONLY - November 16-30 - $30 - ONLINE ONLY

NO REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED AFTER NOVEMBER 30th

Registration Info:

You can register three ways:

1. Register online here - (www.active.com)
2. Download a copy of the registration form here and mail it to our office at P.O. Box 59260, Birmingham, AL 35259. (each of the form's fields can be filled with Adobe Acrobat, and then printed)
3. Get a registration form from your PE teacher and turn it in through him/her. (Not all schools participate as a school so this may not be an option.)

NO PAPER REGISTRATION FORMS ACCEPTED AFTER NOVEMBER 15-ONLINE ONLY!

If your school does not currently participate in the Mercedes Kids Marathon as a school/PE activity and you would like us to contact them about participation, please call us at (205) 870-7771.

There will be NO make-up date. No check-in is required on race day.

YOU MUST RUN YOUR FINAL MILE ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2009 ON THE MARATHON COURSE TO RECEIVE YOUR MEDAL.

For more information, please call
(205) 870-7771 or email kids@mercedesmarathon.com