Runner's Forum: How young is too young?

Marathons can permanently injure growing bodies, say some sports doctors, who warn that the road race may be the newest sports arena where children's bodies are being pushed too hard.

As more and more children are running longer and longer and harder and harder, we're seeing ever-increasing numbers of injuries from overuse.

Concerned by the number of young entrants, race officials are now adding parental consent forms to their registration policies to protect themselves from liability. Some running enthusiasts also warn that young athletes are being pushed to dangerous extremes by zealous adults, and are advocating a ban on racers younger than 18.

From all I have read, I would not suggest you let him do it.  I think He is too young to run such a hard race. His body is still developing and harsh races and extreme efforts can hinder his growth. His immune system hasn’t reached its full development yet. Long races such as marathon are known to suppress immune system. This is not good for him. Talk to him. Tell him to take his time. There will be plenty of opportunity once he has finished his growth. He has his whole life ahead of him. There are people who run marathon at the age of 60 even 70. So there will be many races for him to win.  If I'm going to err with my son, it's going to be on the side of caution.

I hope this helps...just one man's opinion.

This has been kind of a popular debate amount some runners. The posts above illustrated both sides really.

If it were me, I'd be really happy my child wanted to start running and would absolutely encourage them to do some 5ks. But you don't want them to hate running, so encourage them but let them do things on their own accord.  Perhaps get him to join the cross country and track teams at school - that way you won't have to worry about him doing a marathon because he is training for something else all the time, but he will still be enjoying running. 

Agree with Rachael.... a big concern is a fracture through the growth plate in a growing leg, and the stress of a marathon isn't just the event itself but the training (as we all know well).  A number of marathons don't allow under 18's to run the full monty but allow them in the half and in the marathon relays, so they get a taste and get to participate in what you're doing without safety issues.  I'd say go for the shorter distances, but that's just my opinion.

 -R