Established in 2004 by Doctors Nova Scotia, Kids Run Club has been a steadfast champion of children’s health, providing a free, school-based running program across Nova Scotia.

The program has reached as many as 18,000 children and youth annually since 2004 and has been instrumental in transforming the lives of children and youth in every corner of the province. By providing the program at no cost and through schools, KRC addresses and eliminates various barriers to participation that children may face, providing an opportunity for building community and friendships while allowing participants to experience the joy of movement. For many participants, Kids Run Club is more than just a running club; it’s a gateway to belonging and purpose.

The Healthy Tomorrow Foundation created a video to celebrate this important milestone and capture the wide-spread and multi-generational impact the program has had.

Another reason for celebration this year was being recognized with the Impact Award from Physical and Health Education Canada. This national award recognizes outstanding contributions to physical and health education and healthy school communities. Kids Run Club has been acknowledged for its innovative resources and practices which have demonstrated transformative impact.

As Kids Run Club enters its third decade, the Healthy Tomorrow Foundation remains committed to expanding its reach and impact, ensuring that every child in Nova Scotia has access to the benefits of an active lifestyle. Through partnerships with schools, communities and sponsors, Kids Run Club will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of healthy, active citizens.

From early April to mid-June, Kids Run Club representatives supported schools in every region of the province, helping teachers plan their run clubs and making in-person visits to motivate and educate students.

And we’ve got a lot to share! Click the 2021–22 Year End Report below to read all about how Kids Run Club was able help almost 14,000 Nova Scotia kids get active, our updated Coach’s Handbook (now available in French!), the fun runs that participants trained for and what our dedicated coaches had to say.

Tighten your shoelaces because Kids Run Club (KRC) is springing into action for a 17^th year.

Despite navigating this challenging time, the Healthy Tomorrow Foundation (HTF) has been inspired by the resilience of kids across Nova Scotia who have met uncertainty with great courage and boundless enthusiasm. The HTF applauds this spirit and has designed KRC offerings to keep kids moving no matter what the circumstances.

New this spring: KRC Let’s Move

We are thrilled to share that the HTF, through its KRC program, has launched a new initiative called KRC Let’s Move (KRC Sois Actif in French). The goal of KRC Let’s Move is to provide a fun, simple, free and effective bilingual resource to support Primary to Grade 6 classroom teachers in facilitating movement while students learn online and when they are back in the classroom.

KRC Let’s Move accounts for factors such as time constraints and limited space, as well as ensuring options are suitable for all elementary students. It includes the KRC Let’s Move Toolkit,  with tips for teachers, a series of five-minute movement break videos, ideas for outdoor activities, the Alphabet Activity Challenge for use outdoors or in a gymnasium, and a modified KRC running program.

KRC Let’s Move videos

Imagine being transported to different iconic Nova Scotian locations and cultural landmarks, like whale watching off the coast of Brier Island, visiting Kejimkujik National Park and seeing a traditional Mi’kmaq birch bark canoe on the shoreline or even spotting wild horses at Sable Island. Kids will be immersed into twelve animated locations across the province for five-minute movement breaks led by KRC instructor, Leah.

View all of KRC’s videos via its bilingual YouTube channel. There, you will find the Let’s Move videos, the Alphabet Activity Challenge, videos from expert guest hosts, weekly tips, and more. KRC’s videos are flexible and can be done in class or at home with family.

Discover the benefits of registering your class online

As with Kids Run Club, all KRC Let’s Move resources are available for download from our website and no registration or fee is required. However, for those who wish to access additional support and prizes for students or to be eligible to win a teacher’s incentive prize, a two-minute online registration will be required. Once a class is registered, our team is available to provide more details and suggestions on how to incorporate KRC Let’s Move into the school day.

Once students are back in school, our team can also schedule a visit to provide a healthy living presentation and/or running clinic for classes that are participating in our Kids Run Club program.

Modified KRC program

While many schools have registered to offer KRC at school this spring, the latest school closures mean that plan is on hold. When kids return to school, the KRC team will be ready to support their teachers in getting them running!

We’re really excited about the modified KRC program as it makes it possible for classroom and PE teachers to offer the program to students during school time, combining shorter runs done at school with longer ‘homework’ runs done at home. This modified version includes all the regular KRC swag (KRC water bottle for teachers and drawstring bag for students) as well as support from the KRC team.

It also includes the traditional KRC resources: handbooks, runner’s logs, finisher’s prizes and visits from program representatives who can facilitate running clinics or healthy living presentations.

14-Week training program

When kids return to school, the 14-Week training program will be ready for them. The KRC modified training program takes into account that runs done during the school day will be limited by time constraints. Homework runs will provide an opportunity for students to gradually work on their endurance. KRC provides a training plan to help students plan and achieve a progressive running goal and possibly participate in a local fun run.

Outdoor activities

Whether learning from home or at school and when time and weather permit, having a movement break outside can provide kids with an opportunity for longer and more varied movement. Students generally love getting outside and the fresh air and change of scenery can add to the fun factor of the break. Visit the KRC Let’s Move Toolkit for KRC’s outdoor activity options.

Spring forth

The Healthy Tomorrow Foundation hopes these new KRC offerings keep kids moving into spring with a renewed sense of purpose and a continued joy of movement.

To stay current on all things KRC related, be sure to ‘like’ KRC’s Facebook and Twitter pages.