Winter 5K season is here and race registrations are open!

Many 5K races are seeing an increasing number of runners register and show up at the start line.
Every runner expects to get a medal and a t-shirt at their first race, but many races award medals for the top three finishers, male and female.
If you are taking your runner to their first 5K this summer, make sure they get a finisher’s medal.
Not sure if your child is ready to run a 5K or how to get them started at an age-appropriate level? Check out, “What Distance Can My Child Run” for helpful tips and guidance.
Medals for First Time 5K Runners
I still remember how cool it was to get my first medal. It was like being inducted into The Runners Club! No matter how many 5Ks you run, the first one and that first medal will always be special.
The My First 5K Medal is just like the medals the top race finishers receive, except that it is for first time 5K runners.

There is probably a 5K race near your home almost every weekend.
Training for a 5K is a great way to spend quality time with your child. I know I do some of my best thinking while running and it certainly helps me deal with stress.
Many parents have some of their best conversations while driving in the car with their kids. Running offers opportunities for those same types of conversations.
Many children are dealing with stress and anxiety. Running, or any form of physical activity, has been shown to be a great way to deal with stress, anxiety and even PTSD.
This 2022 article from Runners World explains the symptoms of PTSD and discusses how cardio-vascular intense exercise can help.
A few casual runs after dinner and on a weekend day can help you and your child manage stress, have great conversations and get both of you ready for a fun 5K experience.
Here are a few Boston area race directories that I maintain:

I’ve given a My First 5K medal to plenty of adults at local 5K races. For them the medal is a symbol of achievement or a first of many finisher’s medals to come.
All of them have been thrilled to put that medal around their neck!
Here is what some of our customers have to say about their My First 5K medal.
Some never thought they’d run a 5K, but here they are with a finisher’s medal around their neck!
With a My First 5K Medal your runner can get a medal at any race they choose.