Ward Running Club Promotes Fitness, Team Building

Editor's Note: The following is a release from the Valley View School District.

It’s not unusual to see children running around and having fun outside of every elementary school during this time of year.

But at in , the youngsters running around after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays are doing so in an organized fashion because they’re members of 5^th grade teacher Shawn Whall’s “Running Club.”

“I wanted to give them a good start on being active and being physically fit,” Whall said. “They have all sorts of energy and I wanted to give them an outlet for it. And I wanted them to appreciate running.”

The club, which was launched last year with 40 participants, has roughly 100 members this year with lots more on the waiting list.

Students in grades 2-5 gather inside right after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Oct. 27 and spend 10 minutes or so doing homework before heading outside to either run a timed mile or participate in organized running games. If it rains, the club still meets and Whall puts the kids through team building exercises.

“The kids love it. They show up on time. They’ve been following directions. And my fifth grade leaders are doing a great job,” Whall said. “The parents love it too. They want their kids to come and run. Some of the parents want me to do this all year long.”