Lessons of Charlie Kern's Camp Are About So Much More than Running

It’s become a regular sight on summer weekdays along York Road near the Prairie Path: scores of kids and teens gathering to run while morning dew is still fresh on the grass.

Monday through Friday for six weeks in June and July, participants in CK Running’s popular Championship Training Academy log more than just miles. They also soak up camaraderie and motivating messages, as integral to the camp as speed and distance training.

From the CK Running website, this credo from the man behind the camp, Charlie Kern:

"I believe running changes lives. Running shows me my limits are further than I imagined; that hard work is a reward in itself; and that perseverance, stamina, and endurance develop with patience, discomfort, and time. Running allows me to foster relationships with those who are equally interested in self-improvement. Running gives me confidence and makes me feel powerful. Running makes me a better me."

Now the sprint is on to sign up for this summer, which will mark the camp’s fifth year. As an early registration bonus, all who register by May 1 will receive a free pair of Nike training shoes.

Open to boys and girls entering fifth through 12th grades—from beginners to high school athletes—the camp has grown from 79 runners in 2009 to more than 260 last year.

who spent a decade as an assistant coach for the Dukes’ boys cross country and boys track teams before launching CK Running.

A native of New York, Kern began running when he was in junior high. After a standout high school career, he went on to compete at the University of Kentucky and has been coaching and running competitively ever since, including winning seven masters championships and, in 2009, a World Master's championship.

“Running has changed my life. I want others to have that same kind of experience,” Kern says, pointing to the camp’s motto: Changing Lives One Mile at a Time.

As much about character development and healthy living as running, camp begins each day with a motivating talk by Kern. Over the session, guest speakers include decorated runners—including one Olympian last year. Camp counselors also serve as role models, with high school and college students handpicked for their enthusiasm and positive attitude as they lead runners grouped by age and ability and help campers track their individual progress.

The camp is even a family affair, with Kern’s wife, Lynne, on staff and his three children among the participants.

New this year, CK Running will offer a separate running camp for adults. Workouts will be held three mornings a week, with proceeds benefitting the Elmhurst nonprofit Kickoff for Kids. For more information, visit www.ckrunning.com or email contact@ckrunning.com.

Source: CK Running

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