How Kilometer Kids Sparked a Family Running Journey

When Eliza gazes at the prized Kilometer Kids pennant hanging in her room, the 6-year-old can be proud of herself not only for earning it, but also for inspiring her mom.

Eliza first joined Kilometer Kids in 2025 because "running looked really fun." Patricia Clevenger wanted to keep it that way, which is why she had chosen the free, non-competitive program.

"We wanted somewhere she could run with no pressure," she said. "It was right from the first day."

In the program, Eliza has enjoyed being active, learning to pace herself, having the chance to run alongside her friends and discovering the secrets of proper nutrition.

"She'll ask, 'does this have protein in it?" Clevenger said, pleased that Eliza is developing a good relationship with food. "It helps me be a better parent."

But in a testament to the welcoming community the program strives to foster, Eliza's favorite part is being supportive of others. "I like to help people up when they fall down," she said.

Her mom concurs: "I love watching all the kids cheer each other on, no matter what place they're in."

At the end of her second Kilometer Kids season, Eliza lined up with the rest of children to complete a one-mile run to showcase how far they had come. At "Go," Eliza tuned to her mom and gave a thumbs up.

"It was so beautiful to see how excited she was," said Clevenger. "Her confidence soared this past fall."

Clevenger said that Eliza's goal to run a cumulative marathon by the end of her first season "blew me away." After that first season, she decided that her daughter shouldn't be the only one with running goals and launched her own journey by signing up for In-Training for Peachtree. She followed that up with In-Training for the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Half Marathon last fall.

Together, she and Eliza both completed the Triple Peach (the adult and kids' versions, respectively) and plan to do the same this year.

Meanwhile, Eliza was eager for her third Kilometer Kids season.

Said her mom: "She keeps asking, 'When does it start?'"

For more information on the Kilometer Kids program, visit atlantatrackclub.org/kilometerkids