It warms my heart to see more and more parents and children go outside and exercise.

More people running and also cycling. As we all know, if we set the right example for our children, they are more likely to follow your lead. If they see you active and eating healthy, their chance of becoming active, healthy adults is a lot greater.

Our Hurley YMCA cross country youth program has doubled again this year.

What I love the most is the kids who have not found their sport yet seem to really excel in running. If your child has not found their niche in sports yet, or would like to try something else, give running a shot.

David Freeze, president of Salisbury Rowan Runners, is super supportive of youth running. At most races, there is a Fun Run, so your child can get started off right. Most of the time, Fun Run is a half-mile, but the main race is also open to all youth. To find many local races, go to Salisbury RowanRunners.org

Also, on Saturday, Oct. 26, the JF Hurley YMCA Warriors Cross Country team is hosting our 2nd Annual Youth Cross Country meet at Salisbury Community Park. All races will be timed by Salisbury Rowan Runners. It is open to all youth 3-18 years old. There will be different distances for each age group — these are AAU/USATF distances.

The JF Hurley YMCA Cross Country Halloween Dash will be held at Salisbury Community Park.

New this year — Ages 6 and under will run a 1K (0.6 miles — this event is also new at the AAU National Championship held in Georgia this year).

• Ages 8 and under will run a 2K (1.24 miles)

• Ages 9-10 and 11-12 will run a 3K (1.86 miles)

• Ages 13-14 will run a 4K (2.485 miles)

• Ages 15-16 and 17-18 will run a 5K (3.1 miles)

This is a great event with low pressure to see if this is what your child would like to do. It will be great competition for our active youth runners and a fun, healthy Saturday morning activity.

The top 6 in each age group (male and female separated) will receive a medal from Ashworth awards.

You can not run with your child, but there will be many volunteers (including pacers in the 1K) throughout the course and if you are interested to volunteer or want more information, please contact me at emarsh@rowanymca.org or call 704-636-0111 ext 212

Does your child love to run? Do you want them to experience a great race with distances they can handle? Then come out and join us. Maybe this will spark an interest in your child to run for health, competition and fun. The entry is only $10 and the first 100 athletes will receive a dri-fit shirt and goodie bag. Max team entry for 16 and more is $150 you do not have to belong to a club or have an AAU card to enter.

On Nov. 9, however, you do. Salisbury will be the host to the AAU National Qualifier at the same place. So many great things to do. I am excited, how about you?

Ester H Marsh

ACSM Cpt and Cross Country Coach of the Hurley YMCA Warriors

Associate Executive and Health and Fitness Director JF Hurley Family YMCA