Running Races

Here are a couple of websites for you to take a look at that may help:
www.fromcouchto5k.com and www.coolrunning.com
Both give tips for beginners and a running plan to follow to help you get started. I used to run races all the time and I was not a runner. It is all in the breathing and pacing, so if you can find someone (perhaps your son's PE teacher) to run with you, even if it is just to help get you started is very helpful. They can show you how to stretch, breath and pace yourself. Running has to be one of the single best ways to get in shape and see results quickly. It is hard on the knees and feet though, so be sure to invest in the proper shoes and equipment to make the most of the sport. It is a lot of fun to run races. I did a bunch of 5ks (3.1 miles) around my city. After awhile you start seeing familiar faces and you always feel so great afterward. Often the races are held for a charity, like Race for the Cure, so that gives another level of satisfaction having participated for such a great cause. Good luck! What a great activity to share with your son!
HTH,
A.

www.runnersworld.com has a "Races" tab that searches for races by zipcode. You can also look at www.runtimeracingservices.com. These are longer races found on these websites, but most of them have an inexpensive kids 1 mile fun run before the big race. Maybe your local YMCA could help too.

And for you, I would suggest the Couch to 5K program (Google it). It gives you an easy schedule to follow to get you from a beginner to actually running a 5K! (3.1 miles)

Move to Eugene Oregon it is the running capital of the world a/k/a Tracktown.
He'll have lots of company.

I, too, highly recommend the C25K app to help you get into running. I used it on my iPhone, and LOVED it!!

Does his school have an afterschool running club? Some of the schools in Mansfield do - check with the PE teacher or the office. Maybe if there is enough interest from students and parents, the school would be willing to start one! Also check with the YMCA and the MAC (Mansfield Activity Center) and see if they have any programs for your son. You could take him to a high school track after school (when they don't have an activity) and let him run laps, while you start on your own program. Walking is a good way to get started on your fitness program! Good luck to both of you!

Our elementary school has a running club. If your son's school doesn't have one, maybe he could get a teacher to sponsor it and start one. My sons both loved it! My oldest ended up running cross-country in junior high, and my youngest is just now getting into the running club in elementary school.

They run a couple of days each week after school, and they do a few runs together (1 mile runs, and end up doing a 5K late in the spring). Parents are always welcome to join them. It's fun, and it teaches them about staying active and being healthy. :)

ETA: I just realized we live in the same town. It would probably be very easy to start a running club if your school doesn't already have one since we're in the same district (most likely). :)

AthleteGuild.com

Set up an account and you can search all kinds of local 1 mile fun runs/ kids' triathlons, etc.... thru the site. Once you (he) get in a run or two, other groups will start sending you emails so you can register in advance for them.

Good for him!

P.S. As a 5 K / 10 K runner I suggest you select carefully and only sign him up for a run every 2 months for starters.