Running Club Gaining Mileage at Richards School

Believe it or not, there is a very good explanation behind the dozens of little ones running all over the streets of Whitefish Bay lately.

Roughly 130 kids Richards School have signed up to participate in the school's running club, which encourages active and healthy lifestyles by running for about an hour after school on Thursdays in the month of May. 

The club has grown since it started five years ago with 25 students and four staff members, now boasting 130 registered runners, eight volunteer staff members and 12 parents. Last year, the club had 100 student runners, six teachers and six parents.

"We have parents who are long distance runners, so we're not just out there running and having fun, we're also coaching the kids – teaching them how to run better, how to run faster and how to run further," said Amy Knox, the coordinator of the running club.

The growth in the club is significant because not only does it encourage kids to develop healthy and active lifestyle habits, but also introduces them to the value of after-school activities – which are limited at the elementary school level.

"This is a nice exposure for what they can do after school with athletics," Knox said.

The running club has also led some students to take a particular interest in running. Knox said some former running club members have went on to participate in cross country and track once they reach Whitefish Bay Middle School. 

A number of the students are running in Run The Bay Saturday, and plan to hold signs that say Richards Running Club.