News Release
Teams of 5th graders from all 30 elementary schools in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools will be exercising their minds and bodies as they compete in a race event against district and community leaders – including Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Lane and newly elected Mayor Mark Holland.
On Friday, April 12, 450 fifth graders will be participating in the district’s 2nd annual “Are You Faster Than a 5th Grader?” event.
The two-mile race will start at 10 a.m. at Kansas City Kansas Community College and will end at the Washington High School stadium.
Following the two-mile race will be a relay at the Washington track that will involve both physical and academic challenges. The purpose of the event is to promote wellness of the mind, body and spirit.
“This is a fun way to get our students focused on good health,” said Dr. Lane. “I challenged students to this event last year, and they not only met the challenge, but many exceeded their own expectations of what they could achieve. Good health contributes to good learning in the classroom and that’s what this event is all about.”
Roads will be blocked for the race, and water and snack stations will be set up along the route.
Fifth graders who will not be running will gather at the Washington High School stadium to cheer on the runners as they cross the finish line. The top 15 fifth graders will receive medals.
The school with the highest number of students who cross the finish line before the superintendent will have their photo taken with her and placed on a plaque.
