The Healthy Kids Running Series will return to Lancaster on Sunday, Sept. 25, at Daniel's Den Playground in Manor Church Community Park, 530 Central Manor Road. The series will run for five weeks and feature a race on Sundays, Oct. 2, 9, 23 and 30. There will be no race on Sunday, Sept. 25.

The goal of the series is to provide children with an inclusive running experience that will encourage an active and healthy lifestyle, bringing both parents and children together in the process. The races will begin at 4 p.m., and registration is open to children between the ages of 2 and 14. Each day of the series will include multiple race distances for runners of different ages and abilities; the series will offer a 50-yard dash and 75-yard dash for prekindergarten children, as well as a quarter-mile, half-mile and 1-mile race for those between kindergarten and eighth grade.

"We cheer on the kids crossing the finish line first just as much as those coming around the corner last," said Dana Atticks, community coordinator of the Healthy Kids Running Series in Lancaster. "Runners of every ability are celebrated. Children with health issues that you would think would hold them back do their absolute best each week and cross the finish line smiling."

Atticks has been in charge of the Healthy Kids Running Series for the past 10 years, becoming involved after each of her daughters participated in the event. "This will be my youngest daughter's last year she can participate; she was just telling me how excited she is for the season to start. It's our favorite time of year and the atmosphere is always very positive," Atticks said. Each day of the event traditionally includes a different theme, such as "Crazy Hair Day," "Favorite Hat Day" and "Superhero Week," where children dress up as their favorite caped character and a local first responder shows up to cheer on the runners.

The Healthy Kids Running Series was founded in 2009 as a means of building kids' self-esteem and reducing childhood obesity rates throughout America. The Lancaster branch of the series is operated by entirely by volunteers. In the past, members of the Hempfield High School Anchor Club and cross-country team have assisted with each race and encouraged runners. The series is also supported by several local sponsors each year. "We're always in need of sponsors; they keep the series running," said Atticks. "We were able to include a photo backdrop in last year's series, thanks to our sponsors." To become a sponsor for the series, visit https://healthykidsrunningseries.org/ or contact Atticks at hkrslancaster@gmail.com.

Registration is currently available online and will also be offered on the day of the event. Atticks noted that those looking to try out the event for the first time may choose to sign up for one race only. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/hkrslancaster.