Posted: November 1, 2005

Athletics: Kids Rock Arizona!

Phoenix Children's Hospital Kids Rock Youth Marathon Partners with P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ˝ Marathon

PHOENIX, Ariz., (Nov. 1, 2005) -- Phoenix Children's Hospital Kids Rock foot race returns for a second year, - Jan. 15, 2006 - and to help get in gear, children age 6-12 are invited to a free Training Kick-off Party on Sat., Nov. 5, 2005. This free, fun-filled event will run from 10 a.m. -12 noon at Excelencia School, 2181 E. McDowell Road. Children ages 6-12 are invited to take part in a short training run, participate in a variety of outdoor physical activities, learn basic stretching techniques and health information.

Phoenix Children's Hospital Kids Rock is a one-mile fun run held in conjunction with the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ˝ Marathon on Jan. 15. The non-competitive, non-timed kids fun run covers the final mile of the 13.1-mile half marathon course thru downtown Tempe. Children cross the official marathon finish line outside Arizona State University's Sun Angel Stadium.

Sponsored by Phoenix Children's Hospital and instituted to promote youth health and fitness, participants are encouraged to become full marathoners by completing a 10-week individual training program totaling 25.2- miles prior to Jan. 15. On race day, kids will run the final mile with their appropriate age group, culminating in the completion of a full 26.2-mile marathon. Every participant will be rewarded with a finisher's medal upon completion. The 25.2-mile pre-race training program is not mandatory for participation on race day. Kids may run, walk or jog the course that day.

At the Nov. 5 Kick-off Party, local athletes will be on hand to offer advice and help kids earn cool prizes from Phoenix Children's Hospital, SRP, The Peak 98.7 FM, Arizona Milk Producers, P.F. Chang's China Bistro and more. There will be face painting, live entertainment, and snacks. While the kids are running, the adults can take advantage of discounted registration fees for the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon and 1/2 Marathon.

Last year, when Phoenix Children's Hospital Kids Rock debuted, it attracted more than 2,000 kids and even more are expected this year. The start line for the race will be near Tempe Beach Park and age groups are divided as follows: 6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12. The event is limited to 2,400 children, with a maximum of 600 participants in each age group race.

Registration for the race is open and may be completed online at www.kidsrockaz.com. Entry forms are also available through the mail at 5452 Oberlin Dr., San Diego, CA 92121 or by calling 800-311-1255. There will be no race day registration. Registration is $25 thru Nov. 30 and $30 after that. Early registration is strongly encouraged as the races are expected to fill quickly. Groups of 20 or more can save $5 on each individual entry.

Each child will receive an official race number, T-shirt, and goodie bag, available for pick-up at the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Health & Fitness Expo, presented by Fox 10 and UPN 45. The Expo will be held Fri., Jan. 13 and Sat., Jan. 14 at the Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center.

Registration for the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ˝ Marathon is also currently open and available online at www.rnraz.com or by contacting the same phone number and address as listed above.

Phoenix Children's Hospital Kids Rock - A P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Event

Race Information
Date
Sunday, January 15, 2006

Race Schedule
Age    11&12         8:00am
Ages    9 &10        8:15am
Ages    7& 8         8:30am
Ages    6            8:45am

Number of Participants
Event limited to 2,400 kids, with a maximum of 600 participants in each age group race.

Distance and Race
Participants individually run, jog, or walk 25.2 miles prior to the event. On January 15, kids will complete the final mile with their appropriate age group in a non-competitive, non-timed race. Kids may also partake in the one-mile on race day without having participated in the training program.

Start and Finish
Start - Near Tempe Beach Park
Finish - P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon finish line - outside ASU's Sun Angel Stadium

Cost
$25 - Individual entry (thru Nov. 30)
$20 - Groups of 20 more, price/person
Entry fee includes: An official race number, T-shirt, finisher's medal, and goodie bag.

Registration
Participants may register online at www.kidsrockaz.com or through the mail with a hard copy entry.
Race day registration is not available.
Each age group race is limited to 600 participants and will close when full.
Online registration and hard copy entry forms will be accepted until each individual age group race is closed.

Group Registration
Groups of 20 or more can save $5 off each individual entry fee. Group registration is available both online and through the mail. Hard copy entries must be mailed in together. For hard copy entries call 1-800-311-1255.

Confirmation
All participants who register by December 15 will receive a Final Information document in the mail. This will contain parking and final race information. This information will also be available on www.kidsrockaz.com.

Race Number, T-shirt, and Goodie Bag Pick-up
Kids can pick up their race numbers, T-shirt, and goodie bag at the Health & Fitness Expo presented by Fox 10 and UPN 45.
All race numbers must be picked up at the Health & Fitness Expo. Race day pick-up is not available.

Health & Fitness Expo

Presented by Fox 10 and UPN 45
Friday, January 13th, 10am - 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 14th, 9am - 5 p.m.
Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center
111 North 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phoenix Children's Hospital Kids Marathon Training Program
A free modified marathon training program specifically designed for children ages 6-12. Participants will learn nutrition and fitness tips, follow a running or walking program, and mark their miles on a progressive distance chart. Programs are available on www.kidsrockaz.com, or can be mailed to participants upon request.