Running with a purpose

Students get a great workout and a lesson in character traits during afterschool sessions in a running club at Central Elementary School in Eden.

King Cubs has about 45 fourth- and fifth-graders currently participating with three teachers acting as trainers. Fourth grade teacher Kim Garrett said she started the group because she really enjoys running.

“Our main goal is to finish a 5K race, but we participate in a variety of events across Rockingham County,” she said. “We also work on race etiquette, staying healthy and eating the right foods while training. To be part of this, the kids have to have good grades and a good attitude – they have to be good students.”

Some of the events in which King Cubs participates include the Rockingham County Go Far 5K, the Morehead High School football boosters 5K and Healthy Kids Day at the Eden YMCA. Garrett said she follows the Go Far guidelines for training, but unlike that program which only lasts several weeks, hers is year-round.

“At the end of February, we start getting ready for the race in April, but my runners have already been training,” she said. “As part of the Go Far curriculum, students also study character traits such as integrity, honesty and responsibility.”

The club offers students three different tiers of training. The first tier operates on equal intervals such as running for two minutes and walking for two minutes. The intermediate group may run for five minutes and walk for two minutes, while the advanced group can already go out and jog about three miles, Garrett said.

Fifth-grader Kyle Webb said he joined the group to hang out with his friends. He said he also enjoys the challenges from King Cubs.

“My favorite part is getting to go to all the races and seeing all my friends during practice,” he said. “My favorite race is the Morehead High School race.”

Fifth-grader Bay Twilla said she joined the club because she enjoys all different types of sports.

“I’ve always enjoyed sports, and I thought a running club at school would be pretty cool,” she said. “I really like being in the advanced group because it puts me more to test myself and try new things. My favorite event of the year is the Go Far. It was my first time doing it last year and I had a lot of fun.”

The Go Far curriculum is a 10-week course that is designed to promote healthy eating habits and good character. Rockingham County’s first Go Far race was held last year at Reidsville High School.