Alachua County 4-H Running Club
I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service, and my HEALTH to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
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General Information
The Alachua County 4-H Running Club is open to all Alachua County 4-H members, ages 5-18.
We are currently accepting new members!
All abilities welcome.
The Alachua County 4-H Running Club supports and empowers youth to put Healthy Living into action through fitness, recreation and service activities. The youth will cultivate skills to make healthy decisions that lead to a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the youth work towards personal goals, build interpersonal skills and learn about teamwork and good sportsmanship. An emphasis on social-emotional health will help youth develop into confident and caring young leaders who understand how to prioritize holistic health and a balanced lifestyle. Development of these skills will lead to a healthy lifestyle, improve overall well-being and enable the youth to work through challenges. With practice, the youth will become leaders in their communities as they grow into responsible adults. The club aims to promote accessible fitness activities within the local community.
Prospective members are welcome to attend a club meeting before registration. Contact a Club Leader to coordinate.
Click Here: Alachua County 4-H Information Website
Registration
The Alachua County 4-H annual registration fee is $25 for ages 8-18 and $0 for ages 5-7. The $25 membership fee is only due one time per year. Youth can be involved in more than one 4-H club within the same county.
Since Running Club is primarily focused on Healthy Living and fitness, it is highly recommended for Running Club members to join an additional Alachua County 4-H club (list of Alachua County 4-H clubs) so that they have access to a full 4-H experience and opportunities throughout the year. If you are undecided about which other club to join, simply choose Running Club during registration and another club can be added at a later date. To learn more about other clubs, visit the the General Information website. If you need guidance on joining another Alachua County 4-H Club, please reach out to the Alachua County 4-H Agent or Running Club Leaders. Scroll down for contact info.
Register here
Fees
4-H Registration: age 5-7 $0, age 8-18 $25
Race fees - The Alachua County 4-H Running Club prioritizes scheduling club events that are free. On occasion, races at additional cost may be added to the club calendar. The club prioritizes communicating with event organizers to accommodate reduced or free pricing for members.
Club Meetings and Attendance
The Running Club usually meets 1-2 per week for community races, fitness, recreation and/or service activities. The club meets at various locations, like tracks, trails and parks in Gainesville and surrounding areas. Meetings are approximately 1-2 hours long. Parents/Caregivers are expected to supervise their child(ren) during club activities. There is no minimum attendance requirement to maintain membership in the club. The club meets year round.
Competition
The Alachua County 4-H Running Club advocates for every child participating in activities at their own pace. A child does not need to be competitive to participate during practices or races. The club advocates for the youth striving for their "personal best." The youth have competition opportunities during community race events. However, the youth may participate during these events even if they don't feel like having a competitive spirit. They may participate for their own recreation and personal goal achievements. For children who thrive with competition, there are competition opportunities and challenges.
Location
Gainesville usually, surrounding area occasionally
Schedule
Saturdays, 7-9 am usually, up to 3 miles
Thursdays, 430-530 usually, up to 2 miles
Coaching
The Running Club is directed by parent volunteers. Our current team of volunteers includes parents who are running enthusiasts. We do not currently offer professional level coaching. Our goal is to eventually invite regular speakers who are running mentors, coaches and competitive athletes at the high school, collegiate and professional level.
Volunteers
The Running Club relies on volunteer involvement. Read about volunteering with 4-H here. Parents/Caregivers who are interested in volunteering with the Running Club should also register themselves through 4-H. If you would like to become a parent volunteer with the Alachua County 4-H Running Club, please fill out this form.
Alachua County 4-H Running Club Leaders
Priscilla Mitarnowski 4hpriscilla@gmail.com
Bercela Banda bercela@gmail.com
All Club Leaders are background checked with Alachua County.
Alachua County 4-H
Mary Lee Sale, Alachua County 4-H Agent - msale@ufl.edu
History
The Alachua County 4-H Running Club met for many years before 2020 with strong community participation and support. The Little Run on the Prairie 5K was hosted annually at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. The last event was the 7th Annual Little Run on the Prairie 5K in December 2019. The Alachua County 4-H Running Club reformed in 2023.
Member Information
Communication and Club Calendar
Parents of members in the Alachua County 4-H Running Club communicate privately regarding the club calendar and all other communication related to club activities.
Once you have officially registered with Alachua County 4-H, please email Club Leader Priscilla (4hpriscilla@gmail.com) so you can be invited to privately communicate with the parents of Running Club members and have access to the club calendar.
Practice Information
Bring a water bottle.
Wear clothing and shoes appropriate for running.
Parents/Caregivers are expected to supervise their child(ren) during club activities. Meetings are approximately 1-2 hours long. Parents/caregivers are welcome to participate in fitness activities. Parents/Caregivers are welcome to volunteer with the club.
General Meeting Schedule of Activities
4-H Pledge, warm-up, stretch, review meeting plan, share goals
Run, running activities, other activities, service
Stretch, share achievements, review upcoming events. answer questions from the youth and parents
Recreation
Service
The club aims to participate in a service activity or project on a monthly basis.
High school age members who are interested in earning service hours should contact a Club Leader.
Photo Sharing
For the privacy and safety of all club members, please do not publicly share photos that include children besides your own. If publically sharing photos that include children besides your own, please obtain parent permission before doing so. Private photo sharing is welcome amongst parents of members.
4-H Resources
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