With the frigid temperatures this winter it can be difficult for families wanting their kids to exercise outside. For the next few weekends, however, the Young Athletes Foundation are putting together Saturday Morning at the Races. This weekend families had a chance for their kids 14 years & under to run around indoor tracks at the University of Minnesota Duluth for for free.

Ben Fleming and Kora Meintz were both running this weekend with their sisters. They shared how kids can also make new friends through Saturday Morning at the Races.

“It’s really fun and it’s exciting,” Fleming said. “I haven’t done this in a long time, but I’m excited, and when I’m done, I want to leave.” “My sister is running right now, I think,” Meintz said. “I have done this once in third grade, but it was outside though. I just like running.”

Shane Bauer, the Executive Director of Grandma’s Marathon says Saturday Morning at the Races has been around since 2017.

“There’s no better time to get kids out active and conscious of staying active and a healthy lifestyle,” Bauer said. “The Young Athletes Foundation’s mission is also a program of Grandma’s Marathon. It’s our way to give back to the community and provide something for the kids to be able to do for free. Get a free t-shirt and have an experience like this. It’s a good way to give back to the community.”

On January 18th, the next Saturday morning at the races will be at the college of St. Scholastica. The other race will be held on February 1st, at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. The Saturday Morning at the Races series is free and open to any child ages 14 & under. 

Families can also look forward to the 2025 Young Athletes Foundation Appreciation Day on January 11th at Amsoil arena. All kids ages 14 & under are invited to participate in a free one-of-a-kind kids’ race around the concourse.