Field trips are fun and so is running! Grandma’s Marathon and The Young Athletes Foundation had another successful Fit-n-Fun Run this year! The event, which is held every year and is made possible by the support of Essentia Health, brings elementary school students from the Duluth Public Schools district to run a ¼ mile race to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for the youth.
This year the event was held at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s James S. Malosky Stadium. The stadium provides a perfect space for the event and has an amazing track for students to run on. The Fit-n-Fun Run occurs over the course of two days. This year’s event took place on Tuesday, May 17 and Wednesday, May 18.
In a place where the weather is very unpredictable, it was a joy to have such sunny weather on both days of the Fit-n-Fun Run. Many students even wore their short sleeves and shorts to the event. The students arrived at the University by their school. When they arrived they were asked to wait in the bleachers of the stadium until it was their turn to move onto the field. They were able to watch other school races while they waited for their turn.
Once it was time for students to move onto the field they lined up by the warm up area where they were greeted by some of the UMD track and field team. The track students helped the young runners warm-up while they waited for their turn to run. Once it was time for a school to run they were divided into a boys group and girls group. The girls ran first and once they were finished the boys got to run. They all ran a single lap around the track before finishing the run.
At the finish line the students were cheered on by family and friends who came to support them in the stands. Each student received a sticker and then were guided to the water station to relax and rehydrate. All students also received a 2022 Fit-n-Fun Run T-shirt before leaving the event with their class and teachers.
The Fit-n-Fun Run is a great event that gives students in the Duluth area a pathway to live a healthy and active lifestyle. It’s a fun way to celebrate the end of the school year while also inspiring the future generation of runners. Grandma’s Marathon and the Young Athletes Foundation are looking forward to another great Fit-n-Fun Run next year!
