Ballard Elementary hosted its 21st annual Spirit Day Run Friday. More than 200 students in the third through fifth grade voluntarily participated in the 1.5-mile run around the school campus. Students who didn’t run cheered on their fellow classmates with banners and applause.
Darla Schneider, Niles District parent volunteer coordinator said the run is an activity that students look forward to each year.
“It’s a way to get the kids excited and out exercise and running,” Schneider said.
With the help of physical education teacher Nick Payne, students practiced running and walking in the weeks leading up to the run.
Schneider said one of the most important things that a student takes away from the race is how to pace yourself.
“Learning how to run, to breathe, how to pace yourself,” Schneider said. “It’s about endurance.”
Each year, students in the fourth and fifth grade will try to beat the time that they had last year.
“What a great lesson to go out there and try to beat your personal best,” Schneider said.
The top 10 fastest runners were awarded with a medal during a ceremony at the end of the run.