As I sat down to put together ideas for getting involved in a local fun run, I decided to use Google and search for "fun run." I got 33,000,000 hits! Just imagine how many more there are that don't bother to post their information on a web site! It sounds like there are a lot of people out there runing somewhere. Now, like any Internet search, you have to sift through what is really valuable information and what is not, but the point seems to be pretty clear. These events are something that is out there and available to us and our students. It's just a matter of finding one in your area that meets your needs.

Check out your local track clubs. Your high school track and cross country coaches would certainly know where to find one also.

I have been lucky to have participated in the Syracuse Festival of Races for the past 10 years. This is an "event" that has seperate competitive 5K races, as well as a 3K fun run for our students. The only awards given for the fun run are for the most participants from the local schools. Everybody's bib number is #1. I'm certain that there are events like this all over the country, just waiting for your students to enjoy them.

Doing something like this is a good way to begin your year. It gets your kids focused on the goal of participating in an event like this. It gets their attention focused on the fitness needed and how to attain it (with your guidance of course!). It gets their attention away from "competing" to be faster than someone else and focused on improving their own fitness. It is also a great way to get their parents to participate as well. So get out there and look for a good local fun run to help you kick off the year focused on fitness and fun. Isn't that what we are all about?