Chicago Run trains CPS students for November 7th Fun Run

By Cristobal Martinez on Thursday, October 22, 2009

Address: Washington Park, 5531 S Martin Luther King Dr., Chicago, IL 60637

Over 6,000 Chicago Public School students are anticipating Chicago Run’s “Fall Fun Run”, scheduled for Saturday, November 7th at Washington Park on Chicago’s South Side. A one-mile “Fun Run/Walk” is open to all students, while a one-mile “Elite Run” will be held for students who show running excellence during the fall semester. Ron Huberman, CEO of Chicago Public Schools, will be in attendance to show his support for the students participating.

Boys and girls have been preparing for the Fun Run since the start of the school year in each of the 30 schools Chicago Run serves. At Walsh Math and Science Academy in Pilsen, students poured into the school’s courtyard to welcome Chicago Run back for another year. To show their commitment to living healthier lives, every student walked two laps around the school’s campus holding colorful posters advertising their intentions such as, “Room 205 is On The Run!” and “Room 207 is Ready to Run!” Walsh students ran a combined total of 13,000 miles last year, second highest among the schools participating, and they are eager to improve on that number this year.

Cristobal Martinez

Chicago Run formed in 2007, challenges students to combat pediatric obesity by ditching their junk food and adopting more active lifestyles. Concentrating on underserved parts of Chicago, Chicago Run seeks to keep kids active by asking them to run fifteen minutes per day at least three days out of the week. “Chicago Run has grown significantly from its original twelve schools with 2,300 boys and girls. We now serve 30 schools of 6,000 students in eight NCP neighborhoods.” says Alicia Gonzalez, Executive Director of Chicago Run. “As we continue to grow, the addition of each school really shows the impact we are having in these underserved neighborhoods.”

As a way to keep the students interested throughout the year, Chicago Run added an interactive database that tracks their mileage allowing students to virtually run a marathon around Chicago. Along the way, students learn about the many diverse neighborhoods and historical landmarks the city is comprised of as they connect both learning and fitness. Incentives are also given for every goal students achieve, running ten to 20 miles before the Thanksgiving holiday will earn them wristbands, lanyards and water bottles.

When students return from winter break, more incentives can be earned. Hats are given out when a student runs 75 miles and a trophy is awarded to the first student to reach 100 miles. “The incentives really keep the kids running.” says John Neal, Physical Education teacher at Walsh and site coordinator for Chicago Run. “It allows them to constantly want to succeed–to reach that goal of 100 miles and show off their trophy.”

Cristobal Martinez

Chicago Run’s program is begins with students, but parents and siblings are welcome to join in on neighborhood runs. Walsh Principal Krish Mohip notices that parents stick around to run well after the school day is over, noting that he, “regularly sees parents running with their children after school. Their involvement is important in keeping their kids healthy.” Hosting events like the Fun Run allows Chicago Run to impact not only individual students, but entire families.

Yanitza Roman’s mother is a teacher at Walsh, where she joins in with the other runners. “I really enjoy running,” she says. “I know that by walking or running that extra mile I will be healthier.” Washington Park may not be visited by Olympic athletes in 2016, but it will showcase some fine runners this November.