Run for the Schools Puts Spotlight on Fitness

Enjoying arguably the best weather the may have all year, families and community members came out in droves on Sunday to support the San Leandro Sports Foundation’s Run for the Schools and Fitness Fair.

The event was aimed at raising funds for local schools and promoting fitness in the community. Carolyn Knudtson of the city's Recreation and Human Services Department characterized its purpose as “healthy kids, healthy schools, healthy community.” 

About 1,000 people of all ages came to the event, and most of those participated in some sort of fitness activity. In addition to the 5K Run/Walk  and 1-Mile Family Fun Run, the fair offered activities for kids and adults. 

There was hamster ball racing, dodgeball matches, karate demonstrations, weight lifting lessons, bounce houses, and my personal favorite, kids' sumo wrestling.  To top it all off, the event had its own DJ providing jams and tunes for anyone who felt like dancing. (I might have been the only one dancing). Either way, it was all about fitness. 

One of the event sponsors, , a local chiropractor and active member of the , said she “loves supporting anything getting families out, getting active together, getting kids off the couches, off the computer screens, into activities.” That sentiment was echoed by all the sponsors I talked to. 

A highlight was the principals' race that took place between heads of local schools. ’s principal, Ruben Aurelio, (fist-pump Go Jaguars!) won the race and took home bragging rights for his kids. 

Aurelio has already made fitness a top priority at Jefferson. He secured funding for a Playworks program for his kids this year. Playworks introduces kids to sports and encourages them to be active.

Aurelio also started a running club at school and admitted to training with the 5 to 10-year-olds for days before Sunday’s principals' race. 

Be sure to check out the photos from the day.

Patch contributor Chris Crow is a member of the San Leandro Sports Foundation.