One mother’s account of the pitter patter of hundreds of feet at the Cold Storage Kids’ Run 2010.
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| PHOTO COURTESY OF IRIS TAN |
“He’s got the whole world in His hands, He’s got the whole wide world …”
This was the theme song of the Cold Storage Kids’ Run 2010, to which the crowd sang, amidst squeals and peals of laughter. Kids were chattering nineteen to the dozen with their parents, while refrains of “Ready, set, go!” and “I’m going to be first” could be heard.
Despite the blistering sun, there was a smile on every little face. The anticipation and enthusiasm in the air was undeniable and infectious.
On May 23, at 9:40 a.m. on a Sunday morning, hundreds of children and their families gathered at the F1 Pit building, waiting for the signal to takeoff.
My 5-year old son turned to me and asked, “Mommy, it doesn’t matter whether or not we come in first, we’d still get a medal, right?” Judging by the scores of people who showed up, he could see that there was very little chance of us coming in first.
The Cold Storage Kids’ Run is an annual event, third year in its running. Children age 6 months to 12 years can take part, competitively or non-competitively. Events are held for all ages, and these events have catchy names, such as Speedy Purple Dash and Sunshine Orange Chase. For the toddlers this year, there was an event called the Gain Stroller Chase, where the toddlers could sit in their strollers as their parents did all the footwork.
“A family that runs together, stays together!” cheered the emcee as we ran past his station.
At the finish line, the children were presented their certificates and medals. Goodie bags filled with fresh fruits were also given out. Cheery balloons in many colors were seen floating in the air tugged along by the young ones, faces beaming with pride at the medal hanging from their necks.
The Cold Storage Kids’ Run is a great opportunity for parents to bond with their children while inculcating in them an understanding of fitness and health from an early age.
