Vernon Students Complete HMF Running Program

On Thursday, November 2, more than 1,800 students from 39 schools across Connecticut participated in HMF FitKids in School “Medal Day”- the culmination of weeks of training supported by the Hartford Marathon Foundation. 116 students from Vernon attended the event. Participating schools included Center Road School, Maple Street School and Vernon Center Middle School.

Now in its 10th year, the free program for students in grades 4-8 has served more than 15,000 students, encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle through running. Students participated in a 5-week training program throughout the fall, then completed their final mile run at Thursday’s celebration in Rentschler Field. They earned medals to commemorate their weeks of hard work.

This exciting and high-energy event featured music, announcers and spectators cheering the kids on as they ran. After the race, students enjoyed the World of Fitness Expo with interactive fitness stations including an obstacle course, hula hooping, yoga and HIIT.

Transportation, snacks and hats were provided free to participating schools through the support of HMF FitKids in School sponsors, including the Aetna Foundation, United Bank Foundation Connecticut, Newman’s Own Foundation, and Mountain Dairy and from individual donations from the running community.