Roosevelt Elementary participates in Corndog Classic Fun Run

While driving down Highland Avenue on a school day, onlookers often see Roosevelt Elementary students running laps on the track that surrounds their playground. These students are running laps during physical education class and recess, but they are also training for runs that they plan to compete in after school and on weekends. The running program at Roosevelt encourages students to pursue healthy lifestyle choices by participating in a variety of races over the course of the school year.

Each August the Roosevelt Roughriders participate in the Ponca City High School’s Cross Country meet held at Lake Ponca. In addition to local races, Roughriders sometimes travel for races. On Sept. 20 a group of more than 40 kids, teachers and parents rode a bus to the Tulsa State Fairgrounds and participated in the Corndog Classic Fun Run.

Upcoming races include the Cawley’s Challenge run in October and the Turkey Trot in November. Cawley’s Challenge is a Roosevelt hosted race that grew out of the school community’s desire to raise money to support fifth grade teacher, Aaron Cawley. Now the money raised from the race entry fee goes to support a local community effort of Mr. Cawley’s choosing. The Turkey Trot will be held in late November and a special Roosevelt staff member will be dressed as a turkey.

Roosevelt students are able to earn a running shirt by attending at least one run each year. The yearly running shirt is a special design each year and is worn proudly by students that have trained for and participated in running events. Roosevelt PIE Partners, Merrifield Office Supply and RCB Bank provide the funds to purchase the running shirts. The Roosevelt Roughrider track was established in 2009 from generous donations by Roosevelt families, community members, Evans & Associates, and in partnership with the Masonic Lodge. Thank you to these individuals and groups for their investment in the Roosevelt track and running program.