Middle School Students Run 7,521 Miles During 'March Mile Madness'

PLEASANTON, CA: More than three hundred middle school students are coming down from a runner’s high after successfully completing the second annual March Mile Madness running challenge at Hart Middle School in Pleasanton. The goal is to run 20 miles in 20 days. It sounds simple enough but teacher Willie Brown says the rules are very strict.

“It is actually a tough challenge because there are days you simply don't want to run,” Brown said. “There are no absences, tardies or dress-cuts or you're eliminated. Students have to run four laps on the Hart track during that day, no skipping one day and then run eight laps the next or the runner is eliminated. When I first started this last year, I thought I would get like 20 kids to join me and be part of a 20 day running club, but 155 students completed it last year."

Brown told Patch that out of the 459 students who signed up for the run, 332 successfully completed all 20 miles. Staff members are encouraged to participate and 31 teachers laced up their running shoes to join the students. Brown says students who participate have to be very responsible.

“Eight band kids met me on the track at 5 a.m. one day because they had a field trip and didn't want to miss the run,” Brown said. “They ran with flashlights and camping headlamps on.”

The students and staff racked up some serious mileage in those 20 days. According to Brown, students garnered 7,521 miles, while staff members accrued 381 miles.

“It is truly amazing what these kids are willing to do,” Brown said. “This was not attached to a grade in any way, shape or form.”

Those who completed the running challenge earned a t-shirt and celebratory pizza party. Students who completed for second year were given a sequel shirt.

March Mile Madness by the Numbers:

• 332: Number of students who ran 20 miles in 20 days
• 7,521: Total number of miles ran by students (including students miles who were eliminated)
• 30,084: Total number of laps ran by students (including students miles who were eliminated)
• 459: Total number of students who signed up for Mile March Madness
• 31: Total number of staff members who participated
• 381: Total number of miles completed by staff members
• 1,524: Total number of laps completed by staff members
• 7: Total number of staff members with perfect attendance and receiving a "Hart Physical Education All Star" shirt
• 7: Total number of staff members with perfect attendance and running every mile, receiving a, "Mile March Madness" shirt.

Photo courtesy Willie Brown