Tampa Republic

The City of Tampa's Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with the Pepperjack's Kids Running Program to enhance fitness, discipline, and nutrition among young runners in Tampa. Since 2015, over 2,000 children have participated in this initiative. This year, around 250 kids are training to run the last two miles of the Gasparilla half marathon on February 23.

Participants from third to eighth grade receive running gear provided by the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association. The program ensures each child gets properly fitted shoes by having staff measure them accurately.

"Exercise is so important for our children to get, but there are so many hurdles to getting kids moving today," said Mayor Jane Castor. "Parks and Recreation, Pepperjack's, and the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association are making a wonderful, positive difference in thousands of young lives."

Children train weekly at various recreation centers across Tampa. Parks and Recreation Manager Regina McBride Smith explained their approach: "We get them doing laps, stretching, working on their endurance, and working on their speed." Activities like tag help keep them active without realizing they are exercising.

This year introduced a new component through a White House Challenge focused on ending hunger and building healthy communities. Clinical Dietitian Nicole Misner from the University of South Florida has joined the program to educate participants about nutrition.

Pepperjack's began its journey in 2000 with St. Peter Claver before partnering with Parks and Recreation in 2015. Sign-ups for next year's program will occur in September and October 2025; participants must have a Parks and Recreation rec card.