Kids, get ready to run.

North Idaho Panhandle Cross Country is hosting the second Run 2 Summer June 14 at Timberlake High School in Spirit Lake.

Registration begins at 10 a.m., and race time is 10:30 a.m.

The cost to enter is $10, which includes a shirt, or $5 without the shirt. Scholarships are available upon request.

Proceeds from the race will benefit Running Shoes 4kiDs, a nonprofit that provides running shoes for kids who otherwise wouldn't be able to participate in cross-country because their families can't afford appropriate gear for them.

"Coach Colene" Hotmer, who coordinates the programs, is no stranger to getting kids off the couch and on their feet.

As a parent volunteer, Hotmer started a popular after-school cross-country program at Athol Elementary School.

It began with only 47 kids and grew to 100 kindergarten- to- sixth-grade runners while Hotmer was involved.

"During the time I was coaching I saw several kiddos who didn't have the greatest shoes to run in," she said. "I witnessed some kids running in cowboy boots, Converse shoes, shoes with holes in them and shoes with no support."

These same children are the high school and college athletes of the future, Hotmer said.

"If they run in poor gear with no support, it is likely they could receive permanent, lifelong injuries," she said.

North Idaho Panhandle Cross Country was organized by Hotmer and several other parents. It's mission is to create an accepting, supportive, fun and positive running environment.

Their motto is "Every step is a running step," whether those steps are taken while running cross-country or just going through life.

Hotmer's personal passion for the sport stems from a similar philosophy.

She said she believes running is good for everyone.

"You just need a good pair of shoes and a strong mind," Hotmer said. "It builds a person's character."

The Run 2 Summer offers several short-distance races based on age. The quarter-mile race is open to 5- to 7-year-olds. The half-mile race is open to 8- to 10-year-olds, and 11- to 14-year-olds run a mile.

There's a mile-long race that's open to all ages as well.

"That's kind of fun for the parents," Hotmer said.

Running Shoes 4kiDs is currently accepting nominations and requests for kids who are in need of a quality pair of running shoes. Requests and nominations can be mailed to Running Shoes 4kiDs, P.O. Box 585, Athol, ID 83801 or by email to runningshoes4kids@yahoo.com.