Running races in Huntsville continue to grow for 2014, and that includes a lot of kid-specific events. There are road races, triathlons and even an aquathon for those kids who want to run and swim but not bike. Many of the races are included on the Huntsville Track Club’s website and are sponsored by Fleet Feet of Huntsville.

Best Huntsville Kids Races of 2014

Here are some of the fun Huntsville kids races of 2014:

Race #1: The Fantasy Playhouse Great Cross Country Race Day for Kids

When: February 1, 2014 @ 9 a.m.
Where: Cross Country Park, John Hunt Park
Cost: $15 or $20 after January 21st

The Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater is hosting the first Great Cross Country Kids’ Race and Family Fun Day fundraiser February 1st, featuring grade-level specific races from kindergarten through 8th grade. Proceeds benefit the Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater. There are family fun day activities from 8:30 a.m.-noon, consisting of a woodland creature costume contest, crafts, face painting, tortoise and hare photo opportunities, local food vendors.

Prizes will be given in each grade level category to the top three race finishers as well as the students collecting the largest pledge amounts. Additional prizes will be awarded for those who come dressed as their favorite woodland creature. Costume categories are open to non-racers of all ages and will include most creative, most realistic and best family/group costumes. Donations are accepted in cash/check and may be turned in when you pick up your race packet or at late registration at Fleet Feet the day of the event. For more information email Fantasy Playhouse.

Race #2: National Children’s Advocacy Center’s Superheroes 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Run

When: April, 12, 2014 @ 8 a.m.
Where: 210 Pratt Avenue
Cost: $20 for the 5K, $15 for the Flash 1-Mile Race,. $25 for both the 5K and 1 Mil; $50 maximum for families up to five for the 5k Bike and 1-Mile Race/Fun Run and $100 maximum for a fundraising team of up to six participants.
Register: Online through the NCAC website or contact Nikki Dill via email or by calling 256-327-3783

Hosted by and benefiting the National Children’s Advocacy Center, the event (formerly the bike-a-fun run) features a certified 5K road race, 1-mile fun run and the Flash Mile, one of only two certified 1-mile races in North Alabama. A free family block party is from 8 a.m.-noon and open to the community with live music, food, games and inflatables. Costumes are encouraged.

Race #3: Mountain Deux Youth Aquathon

When: June 7, 2014 @ 7 a.m.
Where: 905 Kennamer Drive
Cost: Entry fee is $25 ($5 discount for siblings after first registration) or $35 after May 15

Kids and adults participate in this first-time event hosted by the Mountain Springs Swim Club and Huntsville Land Trust. Participants run and swim age-specific distances, beginning with a run at the Historic 3 Caves and swim at the Mountain Springs Pool. For more information contact Courtney Spadaro via email or visit the Mountain Springs Swim Club website.

Race #4: Pesky Piranha Youth Triathlon

When: June 29, 2014 @ 10:30 a.m.
Where: Piedmont Pool, Homewood Avenue

The first youth-only triathlon in the area will be held again at the Piedmont Recreation Association pool. The bike, run, swim event (age specific distances) is open to youths 14 and under who don’t need adult supervision. The start/finish will be close to the Piedmont Recreation Association on Homewood. Contact Gia and Doug Schuetz via email for more information.

Race #5: Huntsville Hospital Autumn Chase 1 mile run

When: September 18, 2014 from 3-8 p.m.
Where: Cross Country Course, John Hunt Park

Kids of all ages are invited to run in this event with or without their parents. Contact Greg Reynolds via email, call 256-265-8317 or visit the Huntsville Hosital website for additional information.

Race #6: Rocket City Kids Marathon

When: December 13, 2014; time TBA
Where: downtown Huntsville

The kids marathon running/walking program is designed for children kindergarten through eighth grade. Children run the distance of a full marathon (26.2 miles) over the course of 13 weeks, running a total of 25.2 miles in 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 3/4 mile or 1 mile increments between September 2013 through Dec. 12, 2014 to qualify for race day participation. The kids run their last mile right after the adults start the Rocket City Marathon and collect their medal for the entire program. There are no official winners, but the event will be timed so your child can chart their progress from the beginning of their training in September until race day. Registration will open in the August/September time frame. For information contact Jill Hadley via email.