It’s never too early to get started.
For validation, just take a look at some of the photographs of the McGurrin family through the years.
Parents Jim and Heather started bringing their kids to the Sesame Place Classic way back in 2000, when the event was a mere two years old.
Over the ensuing years, what became a lineup of four children eventually took part in the races and, now, decades later, they maintain a strong level of fitness.
Mom Heather, a third-grade teacher at Penn Valley Elementary School and a fine runner herself, believes getting kids involved in some form of fun racing at a young age leads to a good exercise regimen throughout life.
“I love that the kids get into it early,” she said in a recent telephone interview, “because you’re setting a habit that’s going to last, really, a lifetime. It’s a culture.”
McGurrin formerly taught at Village Park Elementary School (which closed in 2014). It was there she “recruited” young runners to give the Classic (which will be held this year on Sunday, May 18) a try.
So many turned out that the school team won the Sesame Classic “Spirit Award” two years running.
“I think the buzz around the school was that they were excited to be at the park,” McGurrin said. “The finishing times weren’t everything for these kids, it was just the fun part. Focusing on the fun.”
Over the years, young runners from elementary schools such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Afton have picked up on the vibe and produced large turnouts as well. It’s a tradition that continues to grow. Roosevelt has developed its own running club.
The McGurrin “kids” are all grown up now. Alyssa is 27, Rachel is 25, Ryan is 22 and Shane is 20.
They’re all into fitness, following their parents’ example.
“My husband and I have always been so active,” McGurrin said. “I feel like when your kids see you doing that, as parents, you wouldn’t do anything different.”
Heather attended Bishop Conwell High School and later graduated from Bloomsburg University.
At 53, she still can carry a mean pace. In last year’s Classic, she churned out the miles at a nine-minute clip.
How involved is she in running? Well, back in 2000, she welcomed Rachel into the world in March and was back running the Sesame Place Classic by mid-May.
Now that’s dedication.
“My husband was already running when I met him,” Heather said. “He was running the Classic and one year I just decided to do it.”
Of course, as the children got older a bit older, they wanted to see what all the fun was about.
“They weren’t doing it to be healthy, in their eyes,” McGurrin said. “They were just doing it because that’s all they knew, that it was fun and I think it just became part of their nature. Even now, they go to the gym.”
She has a feeling it’s a similar case for a lot of children. When they get started, they’re not really aware of the health aspects of it. They just want to get a shirt, a medal and, of course, a free day at Sesame Place.
“That’s what they liked,” McGurrin recalled. “They didn’t realize they were getting health goodness for their bodies. They were doing it for the fun. That’s how you can draw kids into this: If you can make it fun, then it becomes contagious. They all want to do it and they don’t realize it’s a win-win.
“You’re promoting good health and you’re having fun at the same time? What’s there to lose from that situation, right?”
There’s something for everyone on race day. If 5K (3.1 miles) isn’t your thing, there’s a one-mile fun and a 50-meter Kids’ Sprint.
To get more information and to register, visit the www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com website.
>Bucks goes big at Boston
Bucks County is always well-represented at the Boston Marathon and Monday’s 129th running was no exception.
Our list included nine runners who competed in the 26.2-mile event.
The male finishing times:
Robert Stianchi, 2:51.00; Pat Donadio, 3:12.12;, Pete Lederer, 3:19.55; Colm Quinn, 3:46.32.
On the female side:
Stephanie Young, 3:22.45; Morgan Leh, 3:24.44; Lori Wade, 3:30.43, Jin Lee, 4:03.28; Eileen Mannix, 4:12.58.
Congratulations to all for some great performances.
>Race calendar
Saturday
Run, Walk, Roll for Brain Injury 5K, 10 a.m., Richboro. Contact www.biapa.com.
Sunday
Bookin’ for Lookin’ 5K (Bucks 5K Series), 8:30 a.m., Newtown. Contact www.bookinforlookin.com.
