Seven year old Lucas King loves to run and ran his first half marathon last fall

“I love to run,” says 7-year-old Lucas King, “just like my daddy and grandpa.” Lucas, a second grader in the UK has been training under head coach Eric Miller since cross country season began last fall. And it was that mentoring that inspired the elementary schooler to get started. “Coach (Miller) believed in me,” Lucas said. At 64 pounds and 52.5 inches tall, Lucas has been running workouts with the academy’s middle and high school students, but he is ineligible to compete for at least another two years. For now, he is considered an honorary member of the school teams. In the meantime, Lucas has participated in open races and has been pushing himself to improve. Often competing in the 14 and under age group against kids older than him, Lucas has learned to have patience.“When my time comes, I want to be ready,” he said. “I run for God, my country, my school and myself – in that order.” Lucas’ dad, Todd King, is also a runner and completed a 100K (62-miler) last fall at the Crooked Road 24 Hour Race. Last month, Lucas completed his first half marathon (13.1 miles) with a respectable 2:04:46 time.

posted Wednesday April 25th
Kids Running