As the Chinese proverb goes, the longest journey begins with a single step and Becky Brady’s class is taking lots of them. Her third graders at Trailside Elementary School have been in training for Race for the Cure since January, and the children are eager to walk the 5K in Salt Lake come May 13.
Every day during the week her students do laps around the school building. Sometimes they go twice a day, and usually they make three to six rounds, but they have done as many as eight.
“With the kids it’s a great time to talk to them. They’re happy to be outside,” Brady said.
Nineteen of her students are participating in the race and many of them will be bringing family. Combined, the students have brought in $900 for the race through their entry fees. The principal, Martha Crook, also plans to participate.
“As a team we get to pick up our shirts and numbers a week early,” Brady said, adding that getting their shirts early will be a nice treat for the kids.
Jayla Lundstrom’s grandmother, a two-time survivor of breast cancer, is flying from South Dakota to take part in the race.
“It’s a good cause and it’s just fun,” Lundstrom said.
Roman Saiki said it took the class about half an hour the day they decided to do eight laps around the school, but he enjoys the time outdoors.
“I love it. It gives you exercise and it also gets your metabolism going and you get better,” he said.
The students have picked up trash along their walks, and many of them say even after the race they will continue doing the activity.
“It helps your heart,” said Stephanie Reiss.