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By RACHEL RAIFORD | Staff Writer

HOOVER – The annual Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Marathon is returning this year, but in a new location. After five months of preparation, participants will complete their final mile at Spain Park High School.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Marathon will come to Shelby County this year on a brand new course at Spain Park High School on Saturday, Feb. 24.

The program is designed for kindergarten through fifth grade students to build endurance through running and walking. Over the course of five months, the participants will run the distance of a full marathon, with the final mile being completed on race day.

In order for the children to achieve their goal, they train from September to February, recording their mileage in PE class or with a parent. In training they run a total of 25.2 miles in quartermile, half mile, three quarters of a mile or one mile increments. Mileage is based on adult supervision and an honor system.

Although there are no official winners, the event is timed so participants can keep track of their progress from the beginning of training. Each participant will receive a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Finisher’s Medal when they complete the final mile.

Late registration is now open through Friday, Feb. 16. Those interested in registering for the event visit runsignup.com/Race/AL/Birmingham/BHKidsMercedesMarathon, and pick the child’s grade level. Participants must be at least 5 years of age on race day to complete the final mile and receive their finishers medal.

On the day of the event there will be plenty of parking, shuttles and a spectator-friendly finish on the track, making this year’s event accessible for the whole family.