Little runners learn the essentials

Published 11:32 am Monday, June 18, 2007

By By AUTUMN GRAYSON / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The future is looking bright for Niles cross country.
Some Niles elementary students, who participated in the annual running camp this past week, showed definite promise for Niles in the years to come.
"I just like to get people involved in running. This is a way to get small kids who are really too young to be running at school thinking about it and maybe when they get to junior high they'll try out for the team and it can be a lifelong thing for them," Niles girls' cross country coach Dan VandenHeede, said.
The first day of camp, campers learned the basics of running, such as the importance of stretching, warming up and having good form. Activities for the rest of the week included running games, relay races and a day at the track. High school runners demonstrated various field events and gave the kids a taste of what it is like to be a part of a track team.
"It's great to have enough runners here to make sure everyone's accounted for and support them. Beyond that, it really sets a good example for them and gives them something to aspire to," VandenHeede said.
The ultimate goal of the camp was for the participants to be ready for a 5k run on the last day. Most campers proved to be more than prepared for the big run.
Older runners were posted throughout the 3.1 mile trail which began and ended at the amphitheatre and taking the runners along Bond Street.
An ice cream party and ribbons were awarded to the runners, who all finished with outstanding times.