It’s Fun To Run

The streets around were full of running students yesterday afternoon for their annual Fun Run.  This event was organized by the school’s physical education department with the help of the PTA.

Children from third through fifth grade run or walk one mile through the blocked off streets of Bayport, along with a few running parents as chaperones. The rest of the school excitedly lined up on the front lawn of Academy Street with handmade signs to cheer on friends and siblings.

Physical education teacher, Greg Zaleski said, “It’s a great way to have community and family involvement.  It’s a community affair.”  Zaleski went on to say, “The top three boys and girls in each grade receive a medal. Some kids run, some walk – we want them to enjoy it on their own terms.”

The first group to run was the fifth graders. As they got into their positions at the starting line, they shared some thoughts about running for their third race.

Ryan Lawrence explained the Fun Run, “It’s fun and we run around Bayport to finish at Academy Street.”

“My favorite part is afterward when we get t.o dump water on each other.” said Jaime Petersen

Alyson Sena said, “I am kind of happy, but kind of sad all at the same time because we don’t get to do it in the sixth grade.”

Zaleski started the Fun Run by speaking to the students, “The focus of the day is to have fun and enjoy yourself.  You should not be concerned with winning or losing.  If you had fun – you won.”

In the Fun Run spirit, the first two students over the finish line were fifth graders Jason Baratta and Timothy Sacca.   Running the final stretch of the race, they crossed the finish line together, hand in hand.  Both boys said, "The whole race we were competitive, but when we came around the loop we decided to cross the finish line together.