Runners in training

Three times a week, Tuesday through Thursday, kids at the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line get together and run.

Sometimes they run from the club to Third Street. Other times they run from the club to the college, Montana State University-Northern.

Tuesday, after completing a series of sprints and jumping jacks on the club lawn, nine kids ran to Pepin Park. Then they celebrated by playing on the playground, before running back to the club.

They run because they are part of a Nike-sponsored program called "Marathon Kids," the only program of its kind in Montana. Thirteen total kids are register...