Marathon Club

Teachers at Clippard Elementary School have discovered an innovative way to get students to exercise both their bodies and their minds.

More than 50 students at the school joined the Marathon Club, pledging to run 26 miles, read 26 books and do 26 good deeds in 26 weeks.

Teacher Teri Jones, herself a marathon runner, organized the club after hearing about a similar group in the St. Louis area.

The group meets once each week for a lesson on good health habits, a light snack and a chance to exercise. Some of the children who joined the club are home-schooled and come specifically for the exercise and social activity.

The students can work at their own pace, walking and running along the Cape La Croix Trail off Hopper Road near the school. Some run for a count of 20 and then walk for the same count. Others make it a little more competitive. The group also makes sure to spend an appropriate amount of time stretching the muscles they use.

In a time when childhood obesity rates are climbing, the Marathon Club is a great opportunity to teach children how to live better, healthier lives.