Three lucky Clearview Elementary students were the recipients of new athletic shoes after running the most morning miles in February.

 

An anonymous donor challenged the students at the school last fall to see who could run the most miles during the school’s Morning Mile initiative, offering the top two runners a brand-new pair of athletic shoes of their choice. This is the second time this year shoes have been awarded.

 

The Morning Mile is a before-school running/walking program that gives students the chance to actively start each day with music and friends. The goal of the initiative is to increase activity and help fight childhood obesity. Clearview began the program this fall and teachers begin noticing a positive difference immediately; students have been more calm and focused.

 

Fifth grader Riley Quin was February’s winner with 14.66 miles. Coalwell, a fourth grader, and Kickhafer, a Kindergartener, tied for second place with 13.33 miles.

 

Physical education teacher George Bienusa, who began The Morning Mile initiative, brought the students to Scheels to pick out their prizes. Quinn and Kickhafer each came home with a new pair of Nikes, Coalwell chose a pair of Asics.

 

As of Feb. 16, students have walked 11,792 miles, the distance from Clearview to Lucknow, India.