Should Kids Run Marathons?

In 2016, Charlie Westrip set the 6-year-old male record with his half marathon time of 2:06:51. In 2014, Heather Welsch set the 11-year-old female half marathon record with a time of 1:31:23.

These outlier feats of speed and endurance are impressive, unusual, and extreme. We do not want to dissuade children from running far and fast if that brings them joy. But we do want to emphasize the importance of moderation and personal enjoyment in the activity.

Moderation

Many children love to climb trees. Climbing trees is not a dangerous activity in and of itself, but it has the potential to be harmful if children climb high beyond the bounds of common sense.

The same is true for children running great distances. If a child loves to run that is wonderful! However, miles accrued must be sensible as they can affect growing bodies.

Running marathons at 6 will not necessarily prepare a child to compete in an Olympic Marathon at 20. In most cases, Fitness Finders® recommends accruing marathon distances over multiple running sessions, thereby achieving the accomplishment without the same physical toll.

Greg Meyer, a sub-four-minute miler who went on to win the Detroit, Boston, and Chicago Marathons in the 1980’s, says “Success does not have to be some big success that takes weeks to accomplish, but little successes every day; those that will give children a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and confidence.”

Personal Enjoyment

Douglas Finley, Editor, for the Center for Children’s Running, wrote, “Success will be different for each child. For some, it will be simply finishing a run. For others, it may be running farther or faster than last time or mastering some new skill like passing off a relay baton. For yet others, it is as simple as being recognized for their effort, for showing great determination, for just doing their best. If the child sets too lofty a goal, it is the responsibility of the parent/coach to suggest taking little steps to reach that goal, each step offering the child an opportunity to experience a level of personal accomplishment.”

Running should facilitate a love of physical activity in children, a love of movement. By encouraging youth to run for enjoyment and health, you set the stage for their life-long approach to exercise. And by setting attainable, individual, and appropriate goals, you can enable each young runner to shine.

So, should kids run marathons? Some will. Set attainable, sensible goals that all your students can work for and celebrate. Create those everyday successes that build accomplishment, satisfaction, and confidence.