Running?

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DS1 is 9 and completed in his first "real" race this morning, a 1.5km fun run for children on grass.

He's not generally sporty as he has some co-ordination difficulties and find balls challenging! However, he is long limbed and has decent stamina from swimming. He finished well up the field and after starting the morning unsure if he wanted to run, now wants to do it again.

All I know about children's running is that it's important not to do too much. The only club I can find locally, with a junior section, is an athletics club where entry is by trial. What can I do to encourage this interest, without causing him any harm or putting him under loads of pressure?

is he any good at/interested in maps? then he could try orienteering - different kind of sport, involves lots of skills (and running) - will be able to find a category suitable for his age-group. Different kind of competition. Check it out and see if he might like it...

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Could you encourage your school to participate in whatever schools running events are available locally? DS2's primary does three or four fun runs each year, including one that is an inter-school competitive thing. The ethos is very much fun rather than cut-throat competition and DS2 enjoys it greatly and has developed a real interest in running. He is fast but not especially talented. A friend of his is very talented and has moved up into a local junior athletics squad.

If he can swim and run he could try some kids' aquathlons - or even triathlons if he's OK on a bike