It isn't hard to get kids out for a run, as the first ever youth marathon program proved.

The program was organized by the Boreal Adventure Running Association and supported by Sport Yukon.

Youth were encouraged to run a total of 42.2 kilometres through May and early June for a chance to win prizes.

All were rewarded with a running t-shirt and a framed certificate marking their accomplishment.

In the first year 23 runners chose to participate.

"With most Yukon school having an existing running club, it was easy to organize this event,” said Keith Thaxter, an accomplished marathon runner himself, and a member of BARA. "We simply asked the school's running club coordinators to track the kilometers that their runners accumulated.”

Those that took part were not in it to be the fastest.

"The program is not a race, but rather a method by which to encourage youth to participate in running,” Thaxter said.

While 42.2 km may seem daunting, Thaxter said it isn't that hard for youngsters if it is spread out.

"To some, 42.2 km may seem like a lot of running, but if you do it over a period of several weeks it can easily be accomplished by most youth,” he said.

After the inaugural year, Thaxter is encouraged by the participation, and already looking ahead to 2011.

"I am pleased with having 23 runners complete the program for the first year, and I am optimistic that about 100 youth will complete the program next year,” he said.

Thaxter hopes that BARA will have more prizes for the program's second year.

"With support from Yukon Lotteries and other local and national sponsors we believe we can offer some nice prizes next year to the youth who complete the program.”

Finishing the program from Golden Horn Elementary School were: Max Zaparinuk, Thomas Brenner, Kenton Benoit, Isaac Pumphrey, Matthew McBride, Marika Kitchen, Maggie O'Connor Brook, Sophie Janke, Mary McBride, Sarah Diment, Hannah Shier, Ragn Royle, Caelan McLean, Kassi Wright, Rachel MacIntosh and Ben Shier.

Jack Hulland Elementary School also participated with the following students earning their certificates: Bradley Fike, Emma Blair, David Jackson, Katharina Wirth, Jerrett Peterson, Alex Roberts, and Erin Mawdsley.