FitKidz Running and Racing Program
SAR FitKidz has been running for 13 years strong! That’s right, the Southern Arizona Roadrunners began the FitKidz running program in 2013 in order to provide experiences that start children on a path of being physically active for life. FitKidz aims to improve the health and wellness of our local community by engaging kids and their families in fun and healthy activities. Since the inception of FitKidz, thousands of kids have taken part in a number of our free events and programs.
FitKidz is an inclusive program that encourages all children to come out and run or walk, regardless of their background and experience. With nine FREE one mile races offered throughout the year, the six-week FitKidz Running Club and the FitKidz decal program, there are opportunities for every child to learn, get healthy, run and have fun!
Friendly reminders for FitKidz parents and children:
- Please sign up early for our races so we can more accurately plan for the right number and size of t-shirts along with other finisher goodies. We encourage parents to register their children prior to race day also to ensure that each participant will be assigned a bib number and receive accurate results from the electronic timing system.
- Please wear your bib on the front of your shirt so we can guarantee an accurate finish time.
- Grab a decal after every race and iron it onto your shirt. Collecting them earns you bonus incentives for completing multiple events! We have a press on iron at the FitKidz tent if you would like us to put it on for you.
- Last but not least, please have fun!
Questions? Email Sarah Kirshbaum, FitKidz Operations Coordinator, at fitkidz@runsar.org.
2026 FitKidz Running Club
The 2026 FitKidz Running Club will be at Himmel Park for six weeks during the winter, running alongside the weekly Himmel parkrun. Please arrive by 7:30 am to ensure you have time to check in your child.
Dates:
- December 5, 12, & 19
- January 16, 23, & 30
The FitKidz Running Club is FREE and will promote and highlight improved skills over a six-week period, focusing on progress over performance and enjoyment over competition. The kids will start out running intervals of 200 meters and grow the distance each week, culminating in a mile fun run. Each 60-minute session will start with a warm-up, followed by a running activity, a running game, and ending with a short nutrition or other educational activity. If this sounds just right for your little runner ages 5-12, join us for some running fun!
All FitKidz Running Club volunteers must complete Abuse Awareness and Reporting Training, access the training by clicking here. This training is mandated by Federal law and protects our FitKidz runners. Once you have completed the training, email your completion certificate to southernarizonaroadrunners@gmail.com. The Abuse Awareness and Reporting training site is sponsored by the Roadrunners Club of America (RRCA).
*Note: Parents or Adults must stay on site for each FitKidz Running Club session that the child is attending.
Questions? Email Sarah Kirshbaum, FitKidz Operations Coordinator, at fitkidz@runsar.org.
Location and Map: Himmel Park, 1000 N Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716
FitKidz Mission and Vision
MISSION: The FitKidz program strives to promote the health and wellness of Tucson and Southern Arizona children through free, fun, and engaging youth running events and programs.
VISION: Our vision is to create and lead a vibrant and healthy youth running community that focuses on empowering children to be physically active and learn the skills to make positive lifestyle choices. We aspire to introduce children of all backgrounds to running and walking opportunities that enhance their health and well-being. We aim to be a regional leader in youth fitness programming and inspire the next generation of Tucson and Southern Arizona runners.
COOL Benefits
when you join FitKidz!
- Free FitKidz series t-shirt at your first FitKidz race (or until you grow out of your old one!).
- Official race timing and FitKidz race bibs. (To be included in timed results you must pre-register your child online OR arrive at least 30 minutes before the race start if doing race-day registration.)
- Special awards for top three boys and girls at each race.
- Hang out with our mascot Fitz the FitKidz Roadrunner.
- FitKidz Decal Incentive Program: Kids will receive an iron on decal to add to their FitKidz shirt to track each race they complete. We will award a prize to the children who have collected all nine decals. This will happen after the Meet Me Downtown race on June 5th.
Check out the SAR FitKidz Facebook Group to stay connected to all things FitKidz!
How Can You Help the FitKidz Program Thrive?
- Send a check to the Southern Arizona Roadrunners with the Memo “FitKidz” to PO Box 64215, Tucson, AZ 85728-4215.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Are you a business interested in becoming a FitKidz sponsor for the 2026 season? Email us at fitkidz@runsar.org for more information.
- Donate online when you renew your SAR Membership!
- Volunteer: Email us at fitkidz@runsar.org for more information.
Thanks So Much To Our FitKidz Corporate Sponsor!
