Program set to help teens get from couch to race

A free program designed to get teens ages 14 to 18 from the couch to a 5K run in nine weeks is accepting applicants through Jan. 15.

The program, known as Zero to 5K Club, will begin Jan. 27 and conclude at the Whidbey Island 5K Run/Walk Sunday, April 9. Participants will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Each participant will receive a T-shirt, a runner’s starter kit, a gift certificate to a sporting goods store, an iPod nano and a paid entry into the 5K run/walk.

The Zero to 5K Club is made possible through several sponsors, including North Whidbey Park and Recreation District, the City of Oak Harbor, Island County Public Health and the NAS Whidbey Youth Center.

To request an application or for more information, please contact Melissa Haley, program manager, NAS Whidbey Youth Center, at 360-257-3150.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.