Runners earn their shirt after registering for the current school year and checking in 3 times between August and April. Scan the QR code at each visit to track progress and earn attendance rewards!
Shirt Colors by Group:
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Kindergarten → Green
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1st & 2nd Grade → Blue
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3rd–5th Grade → Red
Did your child outgrow their shirt? Bring it in for an exchange.
The program meets on the Family Lawn at Bonnet Springs Park. The Family Lawn is located near the Florida Children's Museum at 600 Bonnet Spgs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815.
The Kids Run Club is planned and executed by the Lakeland Runners Club (LRC), an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote running and fitness for runners of all ages and abilities. You can learn more about the LRC and the other activities they offer the community on their website lakelandrunnersclub.org.
⛈️ not sure about the weather?
Our volunteer coaches do not work at Bonnet Springs Park. We use lightning trackers and weather radar to monitor the weather conditions at Bonnet Springs Park and we will send cancellations to the mobile number you had the opportunity to provide during registration if we cancel practice. Weather conditions around the county can vary widely and what you see out your front door may not reflect the conditions at the park.
See our Manage Your Registration page if you need to update or add a new mobile number.
Kids Run Club is off from Thanksgiving week until Polk County Public Schools are back in session in January. There is also no Kids Run Club during Polk County Public Schools spring break week.
Check in - a record of your attendance at a specific event on a specfic date. You will check in every time you run with the group. Check ins are tallied for attendance awards like shirts and special tokens.
Sign Up (registration) - a requirement to record your intention to train with the LRC and collect a waiver. You will sign up once for a school year.
The Kids Run Club is not a drop off program. In the even of a medical emergency, behavior concern, or your child no longer wishes to participate, you need to be available for your child.
We want everyone to stay safe and have fun! Our behavior guidelines explain our expectations for all participants. Our volunteers will remind runners once about the guidelines and if they do not comply, they will be asked to go sit with their parent(s).
1. Respect for Everyone
2. Group Safety
3. Voluntary Participation
4. Handle Equipment only with Permission
5. Be a Role Model Parent
All participants and parents must treat others with respect and kindness at all times. This includes refraining from using inappropriate or abusive language, physical contact, taunting, teasing, or engaging in any form of bullying. Encourage a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and supported.
Parents should ensure their child understands basic safety rules, such as staying within designated areas, being aware of their surroundings, and following any specific instructions provided by the program leaders.
It is essential to prioritize the child's willingness to participate. If a child does not wish to take part in a particular activity or the overall program, the parent should respect their decision. In such cases, the coach will either send the child back to their parent or ask your child to sit out until they are ready to rejoin.
All participants and parents must understand that equipment should not be touched or handled without proper instruction. This includes the running program's equipment, as well as any other equipment in the shared park area.
Parents can be role models for their children by displaying a positive attitude and enthusiasm for physical activity and are welcome to walk or run around the perimeter of the park during practice.
By following these guidelines, parents and their children can actively contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment.