1.1 Mile Kids Fun Run Information The annual Heartland Kids Fun Run & Festival will take place on Friday, September 20th around the downtown square in Jasper, IN. The race will begin at 6:00pm from the courthouse square, completing 4 laps, totaling 1.1 miles. Children ages 4-14 are eligible to enter the 1.1 Mile Kids Fun Run. Those participants ages 4-8 will be required to run with a Running Buddy (age 18 or older). Race Registration includes a participation medal. T-Shirts are available for an additional $10. Running Buddies are not required to register, therefore will not be charged the race fee.
The Heartland Festival will take place from 5:00pm-7:30pm around the square. Festivities will include a variety of games, activities, and health information for the whole family to enjoy. Beginning at 6:35pm, a procession to the Jasper Football Stadium will take place, led by the Jasper Band & Dance Team!!
In addition, there will be music, face painting, and so much more. Oink will have their food truck to purchase from. The Heartland Festival is free and open to the public. All paid participants will be awarded a medal upon completion of the race. Post race refreshments will be available at the finish.
Fees: (no refunds) Kids Fun Run - Participants ages 4-14 Registration Fee is $10 Race day registration will be available. Online registration closes Sept. 18th. No fee for Running Buddy (who run along with children ages 4-8), however will not receive race garb The Festival is FREE and open to the Public! All event proceeds are combined with the half marathon, 5K, & team challenge event and given to the Phillip R Dawkins Heart and Vascular Center & Girls on the Run of Southwest Indiana.
Registration Registration for the Kids Fun Run is available at this link online registration click here. Day of registration will be from 5-5:45pm for $10. T-Shirts will be available for purchase for $10. *while supplies last
Shirt Sizes Kid’s shirts are available in youth small to youth large Adult size shirts are available in adult small to large. Shirt and/or size preference not guaranteed if registered after August 25, 2024
12-Mile Youth Challenge All participants are encouraged to complete the 12-mile Youth Challenge prior to the event. Participants can print the Running Log below or use the Log in this year's race brochure to track 12 miles prior to September 20th. Once participants complete and submit their Log at the registration table on Race Day, they will be entered to win a cool prizes!
Kids Fun Run Packet Pick-up and Start Line will be around the square in downtown Jasper
Participants will complete 4 laps around the square.
Race Weather & Climate Located just west of the Hoosier National Forest in southwestern Indiana, about 120 miles southwest of Indianapolis and roughly 80 miles west of Louisville, Jasper sees typical September temperatures that average between 80°F and 53°F, while rainfall averages just under 3.6 inches for the month. On the day of the race, the average high is 84°F and the average low is 58°F.
Inclement Weather Weather related information will be communicated with participants via email as well as through local media; WBDC-100.9 FM and WITZ–990 AM/104.7 FM. The safety of our participants is first and foremost.
Proceeds Proceeds from the Kids Fun Run and Festival will benefit Girls on the Run of Southwest Indiana. This non-profit is a transformational physical activity based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-5th grade, which began in 2015. The mission is to teach life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games. “We believe that every girl --can embrace who she is, can define who she wants to be, can rise to any challenge, and can change the world.”
For additional information about the program, please visit www.gotrswin.org.
Heartland Kids Fun Run and Festival FAQs
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (all times are Eastern Standard) 5:00 PM The FREE Festival begins around the downtown Square in Jasper 5:00-5:45 PM 1.1 mile Kids Fun Run Registration and Packet Pick-up 5:50-6:00 PM Pre-Race Stretching 6:00 PM 1.1 mile Kids Fun Run begins 7:30 PM Festival ends Is Race Day Registration available? Yes, Race Day registration is available. Cost is $10. *Optional* $10 to get a t-shirt
Where can I pick up my race packet? Packets can be picked up for pre-registered participants during the Heartland event packet pickup on Friday, September 20th at Downtown Running. There will be a race day registration table available on Friday, Sept. 20th from 5-5:45pm.
Are participants required to turn in the Running Log? No, the Running Log was designed to encourage kids to get active prior to the Kids Fun Run. All participants who have completed the 12-mile Youth Challenge should turn their Running Logs in at the Registration table on race day (Be sure to include your name and phone number). Only those participants who complete and submit their logs will be entered in the Raffle Prize drawing for a special prizes. All other race participants will be entered to win other great prizes which will be announced at the Festival after the Kids Run.
What is a Running Buddy? A Running Buddy is required for participants AGES 4-8. A Running Buddy is a parent, guardian or friend who is 18 years or older who stays with the participant as he/she completes the 1.1 mile course. The Running Buddy should report to the Registration table on race day to sign a Liability Waiver. There is no fee for Running Buddies to participate. Therefore, Running Buddies will not receive a race packet and garb.
What if I have two children who require a Running Buddy? One parent or guardian may run with both children.
Does my child have to wear the race bib (race number) included in the packet? Bibs will be included. The event will not be timed. The bib will also include a space to write the child’s name and an Emergency Contact number. Participants should pin their race numbers on the front of their shirts (pins will be found in the race packets). The bib number will also ensure participants to receive a participation medal and post-race refreshments at the finish.
Will there be any water stops along the route? No food and drink will be available along the route, however post-race refreshments will be provided to participants at the finish. Water will also be available to participants before the race.
Are there public restrooms nearby? Yes, a public restroom and portable toilets are available near the start and finish line.
What if I get hurt or cannot finish the race? Safety for our participants is a priority. We will have volunteers along the course to assist runners that may need help during or after the race. Emergency contact information will be listed on participants’ bibs.
Does everyone running receive a medal? Yes, this is a fun run designed to encourage physical fitness of any level. Each paid participant will receive a participation medal as they cross the finish line.
Is food available at the finish? Water, chocolate milk and light snacks will be provided at the finish line for participants. Only participants and their Running Buddies will be offered post race refreshments.
Where do I park on race day? Park at designated Heartland Event Parking.
What is the Heartland Festival? The Festival is a FREE event for people of all ages to celebrate health and wellness. The body, mind and spirit themed event will feature booths where local organizations and businesses will provide fun wellness activities. Activities include face painting, wacky hair, demonstrations, games, music and much more. Freeze pops will be available for purchase.
What is Girls on the Run? Proceeds from the Kids Fun Run and Festival will benefit Girls on the Run of Southwest Indiana. This non-profit is a transformational physical activity based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-5th grade, which began in 2015. The mission is to teach life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games. “We believe that every girl --can embrace who she is, can define who she wants to be, can rise to any challenge, and can change the world.” For additional information about the program, please visit www.gotrswin.org.