West Utica students in the fast lane for a healthier lifestyle

West Utica Elementary students are on a fast track when it comes to creating a healthy future.

More than 100 3-6 grade students have joined the West Utica Running Club - or as they call it in their motto - “Let’s W.U.R.C.”

The club was created this year by teachers Julie Burgett, Leah DeClark and Becky Jonkman.

“We wanted to share our love of health and fitness with the West Utica student body,” said Jonkman. “In a setting where academic achievement is paramount, we realized the role of physical fitness can play in the development of a child’s thinking skills.”

The students who have joined the club are actively trained three times per week through running, jogging, and walking for 3.2 miles. Students learn the importance of stretching and breathing techniques, as well as the fundamentals of distance running.

The running club has received community support from Adidas, Kiwanis, Sam’s Club, the Optimist Club, Clif Bar, and Subway. Members were provided with shorts, water bottles, healthy snacks, and specially designed W.U.R.C. shirts.

The students also competed at this year’s Halloween Hustle at St. Clair Metropark on October 31st.

The students finished their fall season with a run in front of the entire West Utica student body.

“How exciting for these students to have all their classmates and teachers cheer them on,” Jonkman said. “The West Utica family did not hold back, as they showed their support with signs, cheers, and shouts of encouragement as runners pushed through and crossed the finish line. It was a positive and proud moment for all the runners and the school community, as they joined together to encourage one another.”

An award ceremony, complete with trophies for the top three finishers closed the season.

The club will continue with indoor fitness activities through the winter months and resume running in the spring.