by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC
A Kansas City Kansas Community College tradition returns this spring with the 2016 Blue Devil 5K and Kids Trot.
The Blue Devil 5K, which is in its 12th year, is at 8 a.m. May 7. The course winds through the KCKCC campus on the roads, walking paths and sidewalks.
The Kids Trot follows at 9 a.m. and is geared toward children 11-years and younger. Childcare volunteers will provide activities for the children from 7:30 to 9 a.m., so parents can participate in the run/walk. Registration for the 5K is $20 per person through March 31.
The Kids Trot is $5. Registration includes a T-shirt, finisher’s medal, goodie bag and an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast following the event. Children in the Kids Trot will receive a participation ribbon. About 200 people participated in the 5K and Kids Trot in 2015.
“The goal of the Blue Devil 5k & Kids Trot is to get the Kansas City, Kan., community more active. Having the event each year helps students and staff at KCKCC, as well as, the community to stay more active and see the benefits of a regular exercise program,” said Joe Mundt, wellness specialist at KCKCC.
“Along the way, the money raised is put back into our community by making improvements to the campus walking trail, which is used by many community members,” he said. “The event also helps to promote out KCKCC Wellness and Fitness Center, which is open to the community for use.”
Awards will be given to the top overall male and female finishers. In addition, the winner of each age group will receive an award and a prize. Children in the Kids Trot will run in heats based on age groups. Distances will range from 25 meters to one-quarter of a mile. No strollers are allowed.
“People do the Blue Devil 5k for the pancakes at the end of the race! In reality, people should participate because this is a really fun event for the whole family, plus you get a finishers medal, prizes and pancakes at the end,” Mundt said. “We are also the only 5k in the Kansas City area that offers activities with professional staff for kids while their parents complete the 5k. Parents get to walk/run the Blue Devil 5k, while the kids get to do the Kids Trot. The Blue Devil 5k is a great way to take your exercise plan to the next level.”
For more information about the Blue Devil 5K Run/Walk and Kids Trot, visit www.kckcc.edu/campus-life/health-rec/WFC/blue-devil-fun-run-walk. Information is also available by calling the KCKCC Wellness & Fitness Center at 913-288-7610. An entry form must be filled out for each registrant.
Early bird registration can be completed at https://mysportkc.org/Register/?event=35963. Enter discount code EARLYBIRD before March 1 to save $5. Registration can also be completed in person at the KCKCC Wellness Center. Volunteers are also needed. For information on how to volunteer for the Blue Devil 5K Run/Walk and Kids Trot, call 913-288-7370.
Kelly Rogge is the public information specialist for Kansas City Kansas Community College.