How Do You Start An Elementary School Running Club?
Our elementary school was concerned about the physical fitness of our children. With budget cuts, our physical education was only two hours a week. We decided to give the children a reason to run (walk) everyday. We started a “Runners’ Club”. It was very successful. One kid ran 147 miles. He only had 15 minutes a day to do it. Start with the school staff by providing them a written plan. The plan should include the following items: Children will run laps, 1/6th of a mile. The children will run only at 1st recess. It is open to all students except Kindergarten. Children will be given some sort of token as they run a lap (we used popsicle sticks). Incentives should be set for 40, 80, 120, 180 laps. There are children that will run more. Incentives should be spaced further apart. Certificates and the reward incentive will be given to the children reaching milestones at a monthly assembly. This keeps them interested and challenges other children to join. Once you have an approved plan, det
