BOSTON MARATHON B.A.A. Relay Photo Show by Carol Goodrow The first rule of the relays is to have fun! Other 2003 Boston features: Khalid Khannouchi and Distance | Champions' Breakfast | Winners and Heroes THE PROGRAM April 19, 2003 Kids rule at the Saturday pre-race festivities for the Boston Marathon. They run the Club 107 Relay Challenge, starting near the finish line of Monday's Boston Marathon. 700 running children participated in the Relay Challenge on Saturday morning from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. The relays come at the end of a 4 week kids' training program completed at selected Massachusetts schools and other club locations. There are 60 coaches in the program. Elite athletes (Tim Broe, Todd Williams, Terrance Mahon, Alan Culpepper (in back row), Jen Rhines, Cheri Kenah, Grete Waitz, Carrie Tollefson and Amy Rudolph) from adidas were at the relays to help, encourage, and cheer for the runners. Tim Broe signs an autograph for Chris. Cheri Kenah waits with the kids giving directions and a bit of TLC. The training for this program involves one to two practices a week for 4 weeks. The program is open to children through 8th grade who are involved in club programs at selected sites. MORE INFORMATION Location Copley Square Park - on Boylston Street, between Clarendon & Dartmouth Rain Location none Time 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Format Team Relay Races 10 kids per team Distance of 300 meters Organized by age-groups: 10 & under, 11-12, 13+ The youngest club member...Go Alyssa! For even more information including a listing of Massachusetts participating club sites, please contact Michael Pieroni (who loves working with kids) at pieroni@baa.org. Out of state? Perhaps you can start a similar program for kids in your area! Work with your local marathon to include an appropriate kid-sized event in conjunction with the adult-sized marathon. "We love working with kids!" Mike, Carol, youth coaches, and all the adidas athletes.