In my youth, running a mile was a big deal. My first didn't come until eighth grade, and the experience was so traumatic that I didn't run another until college. There was no one to teach me how to enjoy running. Fortunately, I married a runner who finally helped me love the sport.

So imagine my pride when I watched my 7-year-old daughter race the mile last week and become hooked immediately. "I want to be a runner," she proclaimed to us, her smiling parents. Even more amazing was that about 100 kids raced that mile-all appearing to have a fabulous time.

Evidently, there are now many adults who lead kids to love running. Coach Scott Kurth and the Batavia Accelerators do this honorable work in the Fox Valley.

Six years ago, the Batavia Middle School had no cross country program (they now do), so parents formed the Accelerators. Tom Jurgens became the first coach. Through his leadership the club grew, and eventually Kurth took over the helm.

Although the club started for middle school students, pretty soon every runner's younger and older siblings wanted to join. Jurgens and Kurth welcomed them all. This summer, the Accelerators had up to 50 kids running with an age range of 4 to 17.

"It is so much fun to see the little kids try so hard. They are all so ecstatic and happy," says Kurth. "I'm most proud of the ability of all the kids to play together with all ages," he says. "The kids show such integrity. They respect each other no matter how fast, slow, young or old they are."

The Accelerators run year-round. For most of the year, they meet Monday through Thursday at the windmill in Geneva from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Fall brings a series of middle school cross country races where the younger kids may also participate. Race distances range from .75 to 2.25 miles according to age. The goal for the 2007 fall season is to qualify for the AAU National Championships in December. There is winter indoor track and an 8-week outdoor track season for spring.

"Running is supposed to be more than just competition," says Kurth. "I want them to learn respect for running-what it can do for you, not just physically, but mentally. Runners are able to take on any challenge. They make better spouses and friends and citizens."

Kurth hooks the kids by running low-key workouts and teaching them to set appropriate goals. He asks them to run for time instead of distance. He asks walkers to alternate run/walk. He finishes most workouts with relay races, kickball or water balloon fights.

The cost is minimal: $15 per season, $15 for an AAU or USATF membership, and the option to purchase a race shirt.

For more information, see www.bataviaaccelerators.org

Reach Active Kids Editor Christine Palmquist at chrisorjeff@sbcglobal.net.