80 kids in Blanchester run club

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BLANCHESTER — In Blanchester, via the Putman Kids Run Club, the adult organizers feel they are raising the bar for what young children can accomplish.

The leader of the Putman Kids Run Club, Rachael Thompson, is a lifelong runner, a former elementary teacher, and parent of three children age 6 and younger.

“I felt most comfortable and compelled to start a running club for the very youngest children. Movement comes naturally to kids, and it’s especially welcomed at the end of a full day at school,” said Thompson. They meet immediately after school on Tuesdays.

In the first year, there were 60 children who participated. This year there’s more than 80.

That’s almost a fourth of the K through third-grade enrollment at Putman Elementary School, which Thompson regards as an indicator of a growing popularity of running.

“Knowing that childhood is where healthy habits take root, we serve fresh foods such as fruits, veggies, nuts and cheese,” Thompson said.

Examples of the fresh snacks have been colorful veggies and dip — “Eat a Rainbow” — and apples donated from a local orchard, string cheese paired with grapes, and bananas and peanuts.

“Fresh is the goal at the run club, where kids can try out unfamiliar foods with friends,” she remarked.

There are more than 20 regular volunteers, including parents and retired community members.

“We have former teachers, a track coach, a former mayor and active Lions Club volunteers helping each week. We have partnered with the Blanchester Library to run to the Library Learning Garden two times to sample fresh garden goodies and hear a story. We also partnered with the Laurels Retirement Center of Blanchester to run there and visit with residents,” said Thompson.

Some parents say they like that Putman Kids Run Club is a low-key alternative to more time-intensive fall sports, while other parents have mentioned the run club is good conditioning for the fall sports.

“As a parent myself, I appreciate the focus on physical activity and nutrition, low cost, and minimal time commitment. As the leader, I am deeply appreciative of the wonderful volunteers — both the parents and retired community members,” she added.

The running club is an eight-week program that meets once a week.

She mentioned she saw a News Journal article Oct. 5 on a “Girls on the Run” program at East End Elementary School in Wilmington. She is pleased to see more opportunities for children to get involved in a sport that often leads to lifelong wellness.

On Saturday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. there will be the 2nd annual Zombie 5K and a Kids 1-Mile Pumpkin Run held at the Blanchester High School campus, occurring simultaneously.

“We expect around 150 runners, as the 80 members of the Putman Kids Running Club will be participating in both events as their culminating race. Many parents, siblings, and family members are signing up with the younger ones,” Thompson said.

“This should be an exciting event — to have children as young as 5 to 10 years old in a running club and participating in either a one-mile race or a 5K race is uncommon. Most running races do not have associated children’s races, and the ones that do typically have a short 100-yard dash,” said Thompson.

The Pumpkin Run is four times around the track that surrounds the football field.

The link for registration is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nhs-zombie-run-5k-pumpkin-run-tickets-37279344523?aff=

All proceeds benefit the local charities Glenn Thompson Food Drive and the Blanchester Bike Drive.

Putman Elementary School second-grade student Cooper Dameron won first place in his age group in the “Fall Down or Fly” 5K at Cowan Lake State Park, as did Putman Kids Run Club leader Rachael Thompson, left. Cooper told Thompson after the race, “I think run club helped me win today.”
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/10/web1_duo.jpgPutman Elementary School second-grade student Cooper Dameron won first place in his age group in the “Fall Down or Fly” 5K at Cowan Lake State Park, as did Putman Kids Run Club leader Rachael Thompson, left. Cooper told Thompson after the race, “I think run club helped me win today.” Courtesy photos

Here are a few of the more than 80 children who take part in the Putman Kids Run Club in Blanchester.
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/10/web1_hill.jpgHere are a few of the more than 80 children who take part in the Putman Kids Run Club in Blanchester. Courtesy photos
Capstone event Saturday, Oct. 28 at BHS

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