Small Strides, Healthy Lives partnership continues to encourage youth physical activity

The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) and Run New Brunswick (RunNB) have renewed their partnership to once again deliver the popular Small Strides, Healthy Lives program, which encourages youth participation in Run NB youth events.

Children 14 years of age and under are encouraged to participate in children’s races throughout the season. Race directors of sanctioned RunNB races are supported to hold events for children at distances of one to three kilometres. Participating children in races receive a race bib and finisher medal supplied free of charge through the new partnership agreement between RunNB and the New Brunswick Medical Society.

Small Strides, Healthy Lives began in 2013 and participation has increased each year since its inception.Over the past three years, more than 8,450 children participated in a race, receiving a race bib and finisher medal – many handed out at the finish line by local physicians.

“The fourth year of our partnership has been off to a fantastic start with excellent participation so far,” said Dr. John Whelan, President of the NBMS. “As the old adage goes, it’s a marathon, not a race, and we hope to see this enthusiasm continue as we strive to help children grow a long-term interest in physical activity.”

Though the NBMS makes a significant monetary contribution towards this partnership, Run NB volunteers invest significant amounts of time in coordinating, conducting, and promoting them.

 “We are so glad to see the New Brunswick Medical Society continue their support to help encourage our youth across the province to get active through running,” said Robert Jackson, RunNB chairperson.

Doctors have been increasingly concerned with physical activity for New Brunswickers of all ages. This initiative is done in tandem with others, such as writing prescriptions for exercise, examining school cafeteria menus for healthy items, and calling for policy changes to encourage exercise.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Bruce Macfarlane, Secretary, RUN NB, (506)-444-4583; 
Aleisha Bosch, New Brunswick Medical Society, (506) 462-4633

Founded in 1867, the New Brunswick Medical Society is the professional association representing all physicians in New Brunswick. Its twin goals are to represent and serve physicians, and advocate for the health of New Brunswickers. Over a hundred New Brunswick doctors sit on our Board and Committees, representing the 1600 doctors in the province