Fit-N-Fun Run Gets Duluth Students Active and Outside

ISD 709 elementary school students raced around the track at UMD's Malosky Stadium

DULUTH, Minn. — Tuesday morning was an opportunity to get outside and get active for students from Duluth Public Elementary Schools.

The Essentia Health Fit-N-Fun Run took over Malosky Stadium at UMD. More than 1,500 students from third to fifth grade raced around the track to celebrate the approaching end of the school year. Kids ran 400 meters, or one lap, to earn a ribbon and commemorative t-shirt. However, the day was about more than just completing a lap, according to physical education teacher Erika Drengler.

“We saw during Covid it was harder to get kids moving and I think it’s more important now than ever to give students opportunities to engage in physical activity, to be outside, to be active,” Drengler said. “That’s important for their mental health, their physical health, and just general wellbeing.”

Drengler said the Fit-N-Fun Run gives kids a chance to try out running a race in a competitive and fun environment. She added it’s pretty neat to see the students cheering on one another and just enjoying the nice weather.