Fun Run focuses on fitness

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HAS gym teacher Jason McLaughl...

HOLLY, Michigan – It’s an annual event at Holly Elementary School, and come Monday, students at Rose Pioneer Elementary School will be experiencing the same thing.

Holly Area Schools gym teacher Jason McLaughlin is splitting his time between the two schools this year, and on Friday, the students of Holly Elementary took part in the Fall Fun Run – four laps through the woods and around the field adjacent to the school, all adding up to a mile.

Doubling as the Presidential Fitness Challenge, the students have just 15 minutes to finish the run.

Before starting a group of fourth graders on their way, McLaughlin reminded them of the strategies. “Pick a good pace – stay with it,” he said. “If you’re running with a buddy, encourage each other.”

With that, the students bolted off the starting line, never once looking back.

After the Fun Run, it was time for the students to recharge with some apples and Gatorade, provided by the school.

“I’m really pleased with how the kids have been doing today,” McLaughlin said. “The times have been better than any other year, and the kids seem to be taking the run very seriously.”

On Monday, the kids of Rose Pioneer face the same challenge. “It’s going to be fun for the kids at Rose Pioneer – they’ve never done a Fall Fun Run before,” McLaughlin said. “I know they’re looking forward to it.”