City’s Oso Fit 5K Fun Run will feature fun courses for kids

Excitement continues to build for the City of Mission Viejo’s inaugural Oso Fit 5K Fun Run on March 3 that will include both quarter- and half-mile runs specifically for kids. 

The Children’s Cerebral Palsy Movement (CCPM) is teaming up with the City to host the kids’ runs that coincide with the annual Community Health Fair and 5K Fun Run at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center.

While the event will benefit many causes, it will mark a breakthrough for kids with Cerebral Palsy (CP) – and other disabilities – who have never participated in a race-like setting.

“The Cerebral Palsy run within a run is a perfect opportunity for children with CP to experience something many have never dreamed possible, and they can do it in a safe and supported environment side by side with their peers and with other able-bodied children,” said Debbie Fragner, founder of CCPM.  “We are grateful for the opportunity that the City of Mission Viejo is providing as children with CP are often left on the sidelines in these events normally assembled for able-bodied runners.”

The event kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with a community health fair featuring more than 50 booths. The 5K run follows at 8:30 a.m., with the quarter- and half-mile runs beginning at 9:30 a.m. All children participating in the kids’ walk/run will take home a special medal.

The City of Mission Viejo has a long history of supporting and hosting programs that provide inclusion opportunities. The course will be accessible even for kids with braces, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs. Members of Capistrano Valley High School’s boys track team will act as running buddies for children needing extra support and encouragement along the abbreviated course. 

All pre-registration fees will benefit Mission Viejo nonprofits. To register, visit http://osofit5k.org.