YMCA Mule Kick 5K & Family Fun Run

On Saturday, April 6th, the YMCA of Maury County hosted a 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run in conjunction with Columbia, Tennessee's annual "Mule Day" Festival. "Tennessee: Get Up & Go!" creator, Madison Hardy, volunteered at the event, helping with setup, registration, post-race snack preparation, and a host of other tasks in an effort to help this event run as smoothly as possible.

Over 600 runners entered the 5K and Family Fun Run, with the winner finishing with a time of 17:29.

Madison encountered many inspirational people at this event. One team, made up of over a hundred people in every age category, had implemented a training program at their church. Through their training and participation in the race, they raised over $1,000 for a local needy family. It was most of their first time participating in a running race.

Two of the eldest competitors, Phyllis & Margaret, at ages 70 and 76, respectively, finished 1st & 2nd in their age group. These women are an inspiration to many in the area, and Margaret will be running in Nashville's Country Music Marathon at the end of this month.

There were hundreds of children in attendance at this event, most of which were very excited to participate in their respective races. The children not racing were there in support of family & friends.

The Mule Kick 5K & Family Fun Run was an extremely successful event, bringing together people of all ages to be active & have fun.

For more information about the YMCA of Middle Tennessee and the YMCA Race Series, click here.

Let's Move Meetup - Easter Egg Hunt

On Saturday, March 30th 2013, Tennessee: Get Up & Go! hosted a Let's Move Meetup Easter Egg Hunt at Woodmont Park in Nashville, Tennessee. Despite the chilly weather, many families came out to take part in what was a healthier option for their children during the Easter season.

Tennessee: Get Up & Go! Founder, Madison Hardy, had the idea for a healthier Easter Egg Hunt when reminiscing on her childhood days about how the big prize was often a large chocolate-filled Easter bunny. In a nation where one-third of children are overweight or obese, Madison sought to promote the idea that holiday activities don't have to revolve around mounds of candy. 

With that in mind, she filled over 50 plastic eggs with non-edible treats such as erasers, hair clips, play coins, silly putty, bubbles, stickers, and so much more. 

The children were all so excited to discover what treasures were hidden within each egg, and the parents were thrilled with the fact that the eggs were not filled with candy and that it was something their children could enjoy for an extended period of time. Madison & Tennessee: Get Up & Go! hope to make this an annual event.