Sunrise Elementary Students Do Laps For Health | Community Spirit

Hundreds of students gathered at the starting line today to launch Sunrise Elementary’s Recess Runners Club. Superman-- rather Eric Kramer, 3rd grade teacher, led the crowd of 565 excited kids onto the playground. The Superman cape could have fooled them.

Kramer tells them, “I started running when I was in 4th grade. I’ve been running ever since and I’m not in 4th grade anymore.”

They’re starting healthy habits now that will last a lifetime.

“We’ll be running laps around the playground building up their cardiovascular health and building a strong body and mind.” Kramer said.

It’s a program that was started with the help of a $2,000 grant from ING Bank.

“Spokane’s a running town,” explained Kramer. He continued, “It’s a great things kids can do everywhere, with their parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters. It builds great health.

Kramer describes three reasons to students on why running is great: “It keep me healthy, gives me something to do and keeps me slim.”

What will students do with all those running skills? They’ll put them to the test for two community 5K running events.

Sunrise Elementary is one of 50 schools in 24 state participating in the program.

The school’s track is ⅓ of a mile. Every mile a student walks or run is marked by a participatory bracelet. The student with the most miles receives a special prize at the end. Today’s kick-off is the start of the Fall session.