PEPPERJACK’S Kids Running Program

Get Kids Moving And Give Them The Means To Do It!

Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood.

Children’s lives can be impacted in a fun and enjoyable way by teaching the development of life skills resulting in their living a healthier, safe, and balanced life.

In 2023, 300 elementary and middle school-aged kids (4th thru 8th Grade) from inner-city and economically challenged neighborhoods throughout the Tampa Bay community are taking part in the Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program. For six weeks, the kids will participate in Tampa Parks & Recreation Department Staffed fitness drills and life skills training. Through these drills, the kids are introduced to running as a lifestyle activity and the idea that being fit can be fun.

The goal for the kids from the beginning…their carrot…if they attend all of the training sessions, attend school on a daily basis (no absences), have a good attitude, are polite, respectful, and helpful, and work as a team, on Sunday morning, February 26th, they, along with their coaches, chaperones, and volunteers, will be transported to Bayshore Boulevard to run the final two miles of the 2023 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon.

Before heading down Bayshore Boulevard, they’ll touch the lives of thousands of Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon runners and walkers as they, too, are in the final two miles of their half marathon. The kids will cheer them on…give high fives as the participants pass by…smile at them, and provide a little energy to get them to their Finish Line.

After making a HUGE Impact on the 2023 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon Runners & Walkers, the Pepperjack’s Kids will experience Bayshore Boulevard and the feeling of crossing the 2023 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon Finish Line!

An early congratulations to the Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program kids, you’re almost there!!!

Thanks to Publix Super Markets, Cigna, ASICS, Kellogg’s, and The Meb Foundation, each Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program participant will receive an ASICS Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program T-Shirt, ASICS Running Footwear and Gasparilla ‘Pirate’ Themed Running Socks.