2023 Annual Youth Fun & Fitness Run

7th Annual Youth Fun & Fitness Run

The 2023 Youth Fun & Fitness Run was completed on Thursday August 10th at the MVCC outdoor track.  The Youth Fun & Fitness Run once again offered the youth of Oneida County a physical fitness component and an educational experience.  Over 135 children and their families highlighted this annual event.

The weather was perfect and 60 children ages 4-13 participated in their respective age specific race. 

• 4-6 yr. olds = 8 runners
• 7-8 yr. olds = 29 runners
• 9-10 yr. olds = 12 runners
• 11-13 yr. olds = 11 runners 

Director of the Oneida County Youth Bureau Kevin Green said; “This event provides opportunity for youth to interact with the Mohawk Valley Police Cadets through physical fitness while promoting overall good health to our youth.  The goal of the Youth Fun & Fitness Run is to educate kids about valuing their health, valuing life, and making good overall health choices.” 

To our sponsors:

• Oneida County Sheriff’s Office
• Emblem Health

Whether monetary or in kind donation, your efforts to collaborate and educate was made loud and clear; all thanks to your support and teamwork.  The Oneida County Health Department and Oneida County Youth Bureau are grateful for what you provided for our youth. 

We would like to thank and recognize the following for donating healthy snacks and other related items/services to the participants of the 2023 Youth Fun & Fitness Run:

• MVCC Event Staff
• The Utica Zoo Mobile
• The Utica Childrens Museum “Mobile Museum”
• The Boilermaker (Medals and Water Bottles)
• American Dining Creations (Apples, Oranges, Granola Bars and Bottled Water)
• Emblem Health (Toothbrushes, Floss and Lip Balm)

To our educational presenters:

• Oneida County Health Department
• Oneida County Sheriff’s Office
• Oneida County Stop DWI
• Oneida County Mental Health
• The Fitness Mill
• Helio Health

We thank you for your commitment to the health and well-being of Oneida County’s youth.

Dr. Dan Gilmore, Director of Oneida County Health Department said, “We always look forward to being a part of an event to educate Oneida County’s youth about making healthy choices and learning to live a healthy lifestyle.”

A special thank you goes out to Captain Christine W. Reilly from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and to the Mohawk Valley Police Academy recruits for volunteering to run side-by-side with the youth of Oneida County in the 2023 Youth Fun & Fitness Run.  You are all the best and we are thankful for your continued protection and commitment to service within Oneida County!