KIDS OF STEEL is back for the 2025 Season!

The Ross Elementary KIDS OF STEEL club is designed to help kids and their families get moving together.

During each practice our goal is to develop the whole athlete. Practices will look like this:

• DISCUSSION: We will start with a short discussion on topics such as goal setting, sportsmanship, leadership, running techniques, weekly training, etc.
• WARM UP: Families and athletes will learn how to properly get the blood flowing with a series of dynamic warm ups.
• GAME: We will use games to help students build strength and camaraderie.
• RUN: A significant portion of the hour will be spent running. That’s why we are here!
• STRENGTH TRAINING and STRETCH: We will concentrate on strengthening the body, then cool down with static stretching.
• HOMEWORK: Families and athletes will be assigned training activities to keep them moving throughout the week.

Parents are encouraged to attend practices and, while optional, run with their children. Ultimately, we will be training for the Kids Marathon on May 3rd, 2025. As long as it is not precipitating and the temperature is 40°F or above, we intend to practice outdoors. Please be sure that you and your child are dressed appropriately (warm layers, gloves, hats, water bottle, etc.).

Contact Coach James O’Kelly (jamesdok@verizon.net) or Kari Panza with the Ross PTO (karipanza@gmail.com) with questions.

• WHERE: Ross Elementary Gymnasium/School Grounds
• WHEN: Saturday Mornings 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
• February 22nd = Meet at Auditorium entrance
• March 1st
• March 8th
• March 15th
• March 22nd
• March 29th
• April 5th
• April 12th
• April 19th =School Closed, Practice TBD
• April 26th
• May 3rd = RACE DAY!!!

REGISTER: https://kids-of-steel-2025.cheddarup.com

The only cost associated with the program is registration for the Kid’s Marathon through the Pittsburgh Marathon (P3R) website. Running in the race is optional. If your child will be running in the race, please note that parents are expected to run/walk the race with their child. Race day is too chaotic for the coaches to keep track of all participants throughout the race. You will need to register your child on the P3R website at a cost of $25. Be sure to select ROSS ELEMENTARY as your site when registering! Additional race registration information will be provided at the practices.