Family turns Kids Run into tradition

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Independent Health Foundation’s 37th Annual Kids Run is Saturday, June 7 at Delaware Park.

“I’m a little competitive, so I always like to win,” said TJ Barlow.

TJ and his brother and sister are competing in this year’s Kids Run. It’s something they take very seriously.

“I just kind of rest a lot, drink a lot of water, just talk to my family and stuff like that to be honest,” said Carleah Alexander.

“Make sure to stretch, and drink a lot of water, and eat healthy. Do not eat a lot of junk food or drink a lot of juice,” said Casai Alexander.

“I drink a lot of water, rest a lot, and practice for it, like, jog sometimes, but drink a lot of water mostly,” said TJ Barlow.

Delilah Ortiz got her kids involved in this fun family activity early. 

“Before, like, when I was still in my mom’s stomach,” said TJ Barlow.

Every year, they choose a special shirt color so they can find each other easily in the crowds.

“We’re doing this tan-ish like beige color, it’s actually this T-shirt that we’re wearing right now,” said Carleah Alexander.

Ortiz ran track in school and passed on her competitive spirit to her children. She has this advice for anyone competing on Saturday.

“You’re always a winner. You know what I mean? No matter what, I know that they do give out the trophies at the end, and I love that the fact that they give out the medals, but you’re a winner no matter what,” said Delilah Ortiz.

And, her kids have done really well. Casai and TJ have won their age groups before and are ready for this year’s Kids Run.

“It means a lot to me because not everybody has parents like mine that actually take the time to do this with us,” said Casai Alexander.

“I’m really grateful that I could do it with them. I mean, not every kid can do this every year ever since they were born, so like, I’m really thankful and grateful for my mom that can do this for me and my siblings,” said TJ Barlow.

The event starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with the races starting at 9:30 a.m.