Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program

🏃‍♀️ Get Kids Moving — And Give Them the Means to Do It!

Childhood and adolescent obesity is a growing public health challenge with serious long-term health and social consequences. Left unaddressed, these effects often follow children into adulthood, increasing the risk of chronic disease, emotional difficulties, and reduced quality of life.

At Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program, we believe in early intervention through movement, mentorship, and motivation.

Our Solution:

  • ✅ Provide access to free, structured physical activity

  • ✅ Equip kids with proper running gear and a supportive environment

  • ✅ Teach essential life skills through fun, team-based fitness

  • ✅ Empower kids to see fitness as a lifelong, enjoyable activity

By getting kids moving — and giving them the tools to succeed — we’re helping to build a healthier, stronger future for Tampa Bay’s youth.

🏃‍♂️Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program

Empowering Kids Through Fitness & Life Skills

🎯 Our Mission

Teaching children valuable life skills through fitness can transform lives in a fun, supportive, and memorable way — leading to healthier, safer, and more balanced futures.

👟 2026 Program Overview

In 2025, 300 elementary and middle school students (grades 4–8) from inner-city and economically challenged neighborhoods across the Tampa Bay area are taking part in the Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program.

Over a 6-week training program, participants engage in:

  • Fitness drills led by trained Tampa Parks & Recreation Staff

  • Life skills development sessions

  • An introduction to running as a lifestyle

  • Team-building and character development

Kids learn that fitness can be fun and that healthy habits lead to positive life outcomes.

🥇 The Carrot: A Finish Line Experience Like No Other

From day one, the kids are working toward an exciting goal:

✅ Attend every training session
✅ Maintain perfect school attendance
✅ Show a positive attitude
✅ Be polite, respectful, and helpful
✅ Be a team player

If they meet these expectations, they’ll be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

🚍 Destination: Bayshore Boulevard

On event day, the kids — joined by coaches, chaperones, and volunteers — will be transported to Bayshore Boulevard to run the final two miles of the 2026 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon!

But before their run…

🎉 They’ll line Bayshore to cheer on the official Half Marathon participants — giving high fives, smiles, and encouragement to runners in their final stretch.

💥 Then, it’s their turn to run the last two miles and cross the Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon Finish Line, cheered on by thousands!

🎉 Congratulations to All 2026 Participants!

Thanks to our generous partners:

  • MEB Foundation

  • ASICS

  • Kellogg’s

  • Publix Super Markets

Each child will receive:

  • An ASICS Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program T-Shirt

  • A pair of ASICS Running Shoes

  • Gasparilla Pirate-Themed Running Socks

🤝 Program Partners

The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association proudly administers the Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program in collaboration with the Tampa Parks & Recreation Department.

 

Pepperjack Kids did you participate in the 2025 Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program?

Download your 2025 Running Program Finisher’s Certificate.

Click Here to Download Your Certificate