Written by Amy Beeman

When you picture a family fun run, you might imagine parents jogging alongside small children in tutus, everyone crossing the finish line hand-in-hand. But here’s what nobody tells you: family 5Ks become even more meaningful when your kids get older (and faster!) than you.

I recently ran the Big Pirate Run 5K with my 15-year-old son. Did we run together? Not exactly. We stood together at the start line… and then he was gone. He and his youth took off like a shot while I settled into my steady pace, watching his back disappear into the crowd. But when I finally crossed that finish line, there he was, waiting for me with a smile… and a bit of relief on his face. (I found out after he was actually quite concerned about how long it was taking me to get to the finish line. Ha!)

We’ve done many fun runs together over the years, some running and walking together, others more independently. Those moments at the Pirate Run, him choosing to wait for me, us being together before and after the run, made the whole experience more special for me than any side-by-side run.

Here are five ways family fun runs create lasting memories, no matter your kids’ ages or running speeds:

1. You’re Part of the Same Story

Even if you’re not stride-for-stride, you’re both experiencing the same event. You’ll both remember the weather, the crazy costumes, the turn-around point at kilometre 2.5. Later, you can compare notes: “Did you see that group of five pirates carrying massive swords?” “Mom, you passed me when I was tying my shoe!”* (*This did not actually happen. He’s too fast. But it’s an example of something that could happen.) These shared reference points become inside jokes and family stories.

2. Everyone Gets to Shine

When your teenager leaves you in the dust, that’s actually a gift. You get to watch them excel at something, to feel genuine pride in their strength and speed. (My kid finished the race in the Top 5!!!! And I finished after my friend’s 8 year old….) They get to experience competence and independence while still being part of a family activity. There’s no pressure to hold back or wait up, everyone can perform at their own level.

3. The Together Time Bookends Matter Most

The actual run might be 30 minutes (or a few minutes longer, in my case), but you’ve got the car ride there, the pre-race nerves and excitement, the waiting around at the start line, and the post-race euphoria (and post-race breakfast sandwiches). That’s where the real connection happens. You’re talking, laughing, people-watching, and sharing an experience even when you’re not physically side-by-side.

4. It Teaches Mutual Support Without Hovering

Your fast teenager waiting at the finish line shows them learning to show up for family in age-appropriate ways. They’re not toddlers who need hand-holding anymore, but they’re still choosing to be present for your achievement. You’re modeling that effort matters more than speed, and they’re learning that supporting each other doesn’t mean sacrificing individual performance.

5. You’re Building a Habit of Doing Hard Things Together

Family movie nights are easy. Family 5Ks require commitment, a little discomfort, and showing up even when you’d rather sleep in. These are the experiences that build resilience and character. Years from now, your kids won’t remember the specific times or places, but they’ll remember that your family was the kind that did challenging things together, and had fun doing it.

Don’t wait for your kids to be the “right age” for a fun run, and don’t stop when they get faster than you. Sign up, lace up, and show up together. The fun isn’t just in running side-by-side, it’s in being part of the same team, even when you’re at different paces.

The Big Halloween Run is October 30

Next up in the Big Fun Run series is the Big Halloween Run, in partnership with Striderz Run Club on Thursday October 30th. Join us in the Olympic Village where the 1km seawall run begins at 6PM, followed by the 5km at 7PM. 

The Big Halloween Run returns for the second year to Vancouver’s Olympic Village for a spooktacular evening of costumes, community, and movement along the Seawall. This inclusive, untimed (unless the teenagers are keeping track!) event welcomes all ages and abilities, including strollers and leashed dogs, with 1km and 5km distances. Costumes are encouraged and festive tunes will have everyone dancing. Runners/walkers (movers of any pace) can use VANMOM10 and get 10% off any event in the Big Fun Run Series including the popular Elf Run on December 13. Check out the event schedule and details at www.bigfunrunseries.com