It’s common knowledge that consistent physical activity is vital for everyone, but it’s especially important for a child’s growth and development.
Regular exercise can strengthen heart and lung health, support a wide range of physical and mental benefits and help boost academic performance.
Despite these advantages, only 20% to 28% of children ages 6 to 17 achieve the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity outlined in the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, according to the Physical Activity Alliance.
A lack of regular physical activity can contribute to serious chronic health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Currently, more than 40% of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic health condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Physical activity at an early age doesn’t just help children maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity-related complication; it sparks lifelong healthy habits that can truly transform their future,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System (STHS). “By encouraging their kids to get moving, whether it’s playing outside, joining a sports team or simply staying active as a family, parents can help spark a lifelong love of fitness that keeps their children strong, confident and thriving.”
To promote the importance of exercise and its long-term health benefits for children and parents in the Rio Grande Valley, STHS Children’s will host its fourth annual Eddie’s Safari Run on Saturday, March 7, at the hospital’s campus in Edinburg.
Named after STHS Children’s beloved monkey mascot, Eddie, the event will feature a 2K race for children and their parents and a 5K race for older children and adults. Open to the entire community, the safari-themed run invites participants to take a walk—or run—on the wild side while showing their commitment to physical fitness.
Online registration is now open through Thursday, March 5 at noon, with rates of $20 for the 2K and $30 for the 5K run/walk.
The cost of registration includes a t-shirt and participation medal, with all proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities South Texas, which provides a comfortable home-like environment for families with hospitalized children, including the Ronald McDonald Family Room at STHS Children’s.
Packet pick-up will take place the day before the event, on Friday, March 6, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the main lobby of STHS Children’s, located at 1102 W. Trenton Rd. in Edinburg.
The races will begin in the STHS Children’s main parking lot on Saturday, March 7, with a 7:30 a.m. start time for the 5K and 8:15 a.m. start time for the 2K.
The event will include a special community fair with participation from local organizations and businesses, highlighting valuable health resources available in the Valley. For complete race details and to register, visit sthsactive.com. For more information, contact the STHS Marketing Department at 956-388-2020 or sthsmarketing@uhsinc.com.
Who: South Texas Health System Children’s
What: Eddie’s Safari Run
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. 2K begins at 8:15 a.m.
Where: Main Parking Lot STHS Children’s 1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX. 78539
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
