For nearly 20,000 young runners across the country this fall, the shirt they pull on before taking to the starting line will carry a little piece of Lehighton with it.

The artwork on the Fall 2026 Healthy Kids Running Series T-shirt was created by Lehighton participant Brynn Kanick, whose design was selected from more than 200 entries nationwide in the nonprofit organization’s first T-shirt design contest.

Kanick was recognized Aug. 4 during a ceremony at the Healthy Kids Running Series national office in Chadds Ford, where she got to see the finished product featuring her artwork.

For those involved with the Lehighton series, the honor was especially fitting.

Kanick has been part of the local program since its first season in the spring of 2024. Lehighton community coordinator Hallie Novak said Kanick also has become the type of participant who is quick to run alongside another child who might need a little extra support or encouragement.

It reflects much of what the program itself is designed to accomplish.

Healthy Kids Running Series is a national nonprofit that offers five-week running programs for children ages 2-14, with an emphasis on physical activity, confidence and developing healthy habits.

The program welcomes children of all abilities, including those with disabilities, and allows participants to compete at their own pace in an environment centered on accomplishment, encouragement and community rather than simply results.

That philosophy has found a home in Lehighton.

The local series debuted in the spring of 2024 with just under 100 participants. This past spring, participation reached 115, and the program typically draws between 75 and 115 children each season.

This fall will mark the sixth season for the Lehighton series.

Its reach also extends well beyond the borough. The program is open to children regardless of where they live, and some families travel 30 to 45 minutes to participate in the Sunday events.

Each week, families gather not only to watch their own children run, but to cheer for and support other participants.

The program relies on local volunteers, sponsors and community support to make each season possible.

Now one of the children who has been part of that community from the beginning will have her artwork represented throughout the national program, with nearly 20,000 young runners expected to wear Kanick’s design this fall.

Kanick’s winning design depicts young runners approaching a finish line beneath the Healthy Kids Running Series initials. It will appear on the shirts worn by participants during the Fall 2026 season.

The Lehighton Healthy Kids Running Series will begin its fall season Sept. 13 at 4 p.m.

Registration remains open to children ages 2-14 of all abilities.

Signing up: https://runsignup.com/hkrslehightonpa

Race info: https://healthykidsrunningseries.org/race-day/