Lowellville resident conducting 5-week running series for kids in Valley

LOWELLVILLE

Stephanie Yon just wants to get people moving.

And she’s beginning with kids.

“If you start when you’re young, you don’t look at exercise as punishment,” said Yon, a longtime village resident who has headed several fitness programs there and also coaches cross-country at the high school.

A few months ago, while looking for a marathon in which to take part, Yon came across the Healthy Kids Running Series. According to its website, the five-week running program in the spring and fall is intended to “motivate kids to be healthy and active and provide a fun environment to improve their self-esteem.”

Yon immediately knew she had to bring the series to the Youngstown area. In Ohio, the only other locations were Canton and Greenville.

So far, it’s been successful, said Yon, 36. Last Sunday’s events at the Wick Recreation Area in Mill Creek Park, 1861 McCollum Road in Youngstown, drew about 40 participants. The series will continue from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, and also on Oct. 5, 12 and 19 at Wick Recreation Area.

Children as young as preschool and as old as eighth grade can participate in the age-appropriate running events, which remain consistent from week to week, Yon added.

Read more about the program in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.