Introduction

RUN4FUN is a curriculum supported physical education activity that encourages teachers, parents, caregivers, older siblings, and neighbours to join in and participate. RUN4FUN is a true school community event that can benefit a school and its students, teachers, and families in many ways.

RUN4FUN has been developed by professional physical education teachers (and parents), who are members of the Ontario College of Teachers – Terry McKinty OCT, and Christine McKinty OCT, with the valuable input of an experienced, long time School Parent Council member, and ‘super’ school volunteer – Cheryl Bateman.

The RUN4FUN event has been delivered as a pilot program at two Ottawa elementary schools in 2007, and 2008. The program was successful and both participating schools chose to continue the program in 2009. With the benefit of the experiences gained from these successful pilot events, Somersault Promotions is now offering to bring RUN4FUN to other elementary schools in Eastern Ontario.

Benefits to the School
RUN4FUN

• is a celebration of student (and staff) physical activity participation.
• is geared to the age and ability of students at each grade level.
• is meets curriculum outcomes for daily physical activity and physical education curriculum.
• allows students in all grades to participate in an enjoyable group activity at their level.
• provides recognition to each student for participating and finishing.
• encourages teachers, parents, older siblings, and neighbours to jog-along
• offers opportunities to FUNdraise for important school programs
• is flexible enough to each school to develop it in ways that are in line with school priorities.

Program Elements
RUN4FUN

• is a running/walking event, geared to the needs of students from Kindergarten to Grade 8.
• school event information is posted online on the school, and/or Somersault web site.
• is presented just like a big race, with a professional finish line, time clock, timing chips, race finish announcing/music, and post race Gatorade.
• can be held at the time of the day that is best for the school.
• distances range from 1 kilometer to 3 kilometres and are grade and age appropriate.
• Courses are set up in safe and pleasant settings near the school.
• consists of 2 to 3 separate ‘races’ so students participate by grade level (K-3, 4-6, 7-8).
• Each ‘race’ grade level has a mass start .
• student participants receive their own participant number and a computer timing chip.
• Students will be able to view their results right after the race on site, and on the web site.
• results can be presented by place of finish, or by alphabetical order.
• Students can download their online personal Finisher Certificate following the event.

Optional Program Elements
There are endless opportunities for a school to build the RUN4FUN program to meet its particular needs. RUN4FUN may be just a one day physical activity/physical education class, or it may be part of a larger educational unit. It can also be designed to meet other school needs, such as FUNdraising, morale boosting, or a special celebration. Some of the options include:

• The RUN4FUN can a part of the physical education aerobic fitness unit. 
• The RUN4FUN offers cross curricular possibilities to allow other subject areas to tie into it, such as art, music, math, and geography.
• Student number bibs can be personalized with the students’ names.
• Souvenir event shirts can be produced for the student.
• Local dignitaries, or popular athletes, can be invited to increase interest in the event.
• BBQ’s and other fundraising ideas can be built into the event.
• Team competitions between classes or grades can be developed.
• Costume competitions, or other themes can be incorporated into the event.
• Draw prizes can be awarded regardless of place in the event.
  

Somersault Promotions Deliverables
Somersault assumes much of the responsibility for organizing the RUN4FUN. An agreement is reached with the school on how the event will be structured, and what Somersault and the school will do. Somersault would normally provide the following:

• The event web site and entry form.
• Ongoing consultation and support to the school.
• All event and run course equipment.
• Finish Line refreshments.
• Finish Line announcing leadership.
• Set up and take down of all equipment.
• Participant number bibs and timing chips by class.
• Event day leadership in the delivery of the event.
• Timing, results, and Finishers’ Certificates.

School Responsibilities
The school remains in control of its students and the overall conduct of the event, and working with Somersault would normally:

• Approve the event website and entry form.
• Provide class lists for the assigning of number bibs and timing chips.
• Supervise the students during the event.
• Provide teacher announcers for the Finish Line.
• Develop any options to the basic program it wishes.
• Provide a modest number of course, and finish line marshals.

• Using the school budget
• Charging a student entry fee
• Developing a participant pledge program
• Recruiting a corporate sponsor

• An optional participant pledge program, with incentives for success.
• A BBQ following the event for students, teachers, parents, and the community.
• A Silent Auction following the event
• Recruitment of a corporate sponsor for the event.

For More Information
For more information on the program, please contact Cheryl Bateman at info@somersault.ca