That old saying about the three “Rs” used to go like this: “Reading, Writing and ‘Rithmetic.”
At Bailey Elementary and Strawberry Crest High School this weekend, it’ll be “Reading, Writing and Running.”
Bailey’s Running Club, now in its second year, will host a 5K this weekend, at neighboring Strawberry Crest High School, in conjunction with the annual Strawberry Reads Festival. The new event falls in line with the school’s mission to promote healthy lifestyles among its students and should draw more people to this year’s festival.
“I wanted something here at school for our club to participate in, and this is the perfect venue,” Running Club head Margaret Kus says.
Kus founded the club in 2012, after Hillsborough County promoted a healthy-living initiative through promoting similar clubs at other schools.
“It is very important to teach younger kids to be active and lead a healthy lifestyle,” Kus says. “I am also a runner, so I am able to share my love of the sport with them.”
Students must maintain good grades and get a teacher’s recommendation to join the club, which meets after school on most Wednesdays. After an educational session, the students go outside and run laps — six for every mile. They track their mileage with special cards.
Runners earn a necklace with a foot charm after the first five miles and can earn another charm at every additional three miles. According to Kus, many students already have passed the 20-mile mark.
Last year, Kus estimates the club had about 90 to 100 members, from second through fifth grades. This year, the club has 120 members.
Looking to get more involved with the school, the club decided to bring a 5K to the Strawberry Reads Festival, and Strawberry Crest agreed to provide the venue for the run. Proceeds from the entry fees will go to the purchase of water, ribbons and other items related to the event.
The festival also will feature a number of special guest readers and storytellers, along with some literacy booths, and there also will be games and fun for everyone. Children can make crafts, get their faces painted and make some new, furry friends at the petting zoo. All funds raised benefit future festivals.
For more, contact Joyanne Herdman at joyanne.herdman@sdhc.k12.fl.us.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 22 (5K lasts until 11 a.m.)
WHERE: Bailey Elementary School, 4630 Gallagher Road, Dover. The 5K will be held at neighboring Strawberry Crest.
DETAILS: Guest storytellers, literacy booths, face painting, games, crafts, prizes and more
COST: Free parking and admission; food and books available for purchase.