NORFOLK'S DUNKIN DONUTS DARE 2 RUN Community Event, Photos and story - Carol Goodrow A small-town community event can't be beat. For one day, traffic is stopped, and the roads are opened up for running. Then you're surrounded by family and friends celebrating health and fitness by running. Every community should have one and every kid and adult should participate. For kids, the these events are too cool. You get to RACE the kids "fun run", and then RUN/WALK the 5-K "race" with or without your parents. Benefit - Kids who exercise with their parents are more likely to embrace exercise for a lifetime. As in most fun runs, there were medals (these were very cool dog-tag styled colorful medals) for every kid finishing the fun run, and special prizes (note the boxed "Trophy Bearer" stuffed animal) for the really fast kids running the 5-K. There was something for all. Benefit - A trinket becomes a memento reminding the child that society values their participation in an event which helps them stay lean and fit. If you want to put on a community 5-K, please don't hesitate. It's a great way to encourage healthy fun and celebrate fitness. SPECIAL TOUCHES AT THIS EVENT Categories There were special awards to top three male and female Norfolk "DARE" students, top Norfolk School Staff, and Top Law Enforcement runners. Benefit - Makes local people be heroes for the day. Breakfast Sandwiches Volunteers walked around with trays of breakfast sandwiches before the event. Benefit - Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Gives kids a jump start both physically and mentally, and helps keep them full and satisfied. Barbecue Grills were fired up for hamburgs and hot dogs for after the event. Guest Visitors Author Tables - Children's running, health, and fitness authors Michele Bredice Craemer and Carol Goodrow were on hand to talk to kids and parents and to sign their books. Michele is the author of "Pellie Runs a Marathon" and "CoCo Loves to Tri" and Carol was there with "Happy Feet, Healthy Food, Your Child's First Journal of Exercise and Healthy Eating" and "The Treasure of Health and Happiness". Benefit - Adults and their kids talking to authors together, shows kids that reading is something more than a required school subject. A book can make an impression on a child for life. The books shown here encourage fitness, health, good eating habits, along with the courage needed to challenge oneself and try. Have your own community event. Make your local townspeople heroes for a day and encourage your kids to maintain a healthy weight, while coupling fun with healthy eating and exercise. Kelly and Courtney's First Race High School Volunteers Visiting Carol's Author Table For more information on this community event and some inspiration for starting your own please email Craig Koch at norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net. Feel free to email the kid's editor at kidsrunning@verizon.net with comments on this page.