At ages 6 and 4, respectively, David and Luke Neudecker are already experienced 5K runners.
"The best part is running fast," David said while jogging in place with enviable energy.
They and their parents, Valerie and Danny Neudecker, were among the approximately 20 runners and walkers participating in the Callaway YMCA's second annual Hot Cocoa Hustle 5K on Saturday.
"With the frigid temperatures last week, I'm surprised we had any sign up," YMCA marketing and event director Beth Oseroff said.
It was the Neudeckers' second year completing the race. Walking the Columbia Turkey Trot is also a family tradition.
"It's good to be active and not sit on the couch all winter," Valerie said.
The children agreed, though Luke said finishing a 5K can be hard.
"The hardest part is getting started," Danny added. "Once you get out there and start walking, it's fun."
They weren't the only participants who brought family along for the run. Kelsay Fletchall came for her mother, Kathy Thomas's, first 5K.
Asked why she decided to try a 5K, Thomas shook her head and said, "I really don't know."
The pair planned on walking the entirety of the route together. Thomas said she'd prepared by walking ever-increasing distances.
"You just have to go slowly (and train) in order for you not to be sore," Fletchall, who has completed 5Ks before, said. "It's a different strain on your body."
Oseroff said the YMCA encourages families to work together on achieving fitness.
"We even have an eight-week fitness challenge, starting next week," she said.
The challenge includes Sunday seminars to help participants stay motivated in achieving fitness goals. Participants are also encouraged to find accountability partners. The cost to participate is $15 for YMCA members. Oseroff said for the month of January, there's no joining fee when signing up for a YMCA membership.