Mini Marathon Held at Chippewa Elementary

Promoting exercise and physical fitness, Chippewa Elementary School held its annual mini marathon Friday.

Students in all grade levels scurried around the school in different one-mile races and saw many parents run earlier in the day as well.

“We’re creating a running culture,” said fifth grade teacher Jim Byrne, who helped organize the event. “It’s positive. It gets kids outside to play a different sport that doesn’t involve a ball and it promotes exercise.”

is no stranger to physical fitness. The former Sachem athlete is a frequent competitor in the marathon and triathlon scene on Long Island.

Chippewa’s mini marathon began in 1980 and ran successfully until 1995, but was dormant until 2007 when teachers like Byrne helped bring it back to life.

“It’s a way to bring the whole school community together,” said Mary Bernhard, another fifth grade teacher. “It’s not just about the physical fitness part of it. It’s not about winning it, it’s about accomplishing your goal.”

This year the race was named in honor of Grace Peshkur, a former Chippewa student who passed away in 2009. Her family was on hand and accepted a gift from Girl Scout Troop 2661.

“She had a wonderful time [with this event] as all her classmates did,” said Chippewa Principal Patricia Pontius. “We’re delighted every year to remember Grace. The kids work so hard and they are as happy to watch each other run.”

Gary Comstock, Chippewa’s first marathon winner in 1980, was on hand to address the crowd.

“Fitness is a way of life,” said Comstock, who teaches and coaches at Sachem North, and has run two New York City and Philadelphia marathons. “I’m looking forward to seeing [the students] get older and making an impact in the sports program at Sachem.”

They’re already on their way. Chippewa has won the last two and Jeff Stone Memorial Runs held in the school district.

“It’s fun because everyone gets to exercise,” said Nick Manzella, a fifth grade student at Chippewa. “Everyone is just running around.”