Introduction

RUN4FUN is a curriculum supported physical education event activity that allows teachers, parents, caregivers, older siblings, and neighbours to join in and participate with the students. RUN4FUN is a true school community event that can benefit a school, 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.

RUN4FUN was introduced as a pilot program at two Ottawa elementary schools in 2008. The program was successful and both participating schools chose to continue the program in 2009. Last year the program expanded to 4 schools, including the original pilot schools. With the benefit of the experiences gained from these successes, Run4Fun Canada has decided to invite other National Capital REgion elementary schools to consider introducing RUN4FUN as part of their physical education curriculums.

RUN4RUN can be delivered at your school on any Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday  from

• April 1 to June 30, or
• September 1 to October 31

RUN4FUN

• is a celebration of student (plus staff, families, and neighbours) physical activity participation.
• is geared to the age and ability of students at each grade level,
• addresses curriculum outcomes for daily physical activity and physical education curriculum,
• allows students of all ability and grade levels to participate in an enjoyable activity,
• 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 allow each school to develop it in its own way,

• is presented just like a big race, with a professional finish line, time clock, timing chips, race finish announcing/music, and post race refreshments,
• can be held at the time of the day that is best for the school,
• offers distances from 1 to 3 kilometres,
• is conducted on safe, pleasant, school approved courses near the school,
• consists of 2 to 3 separate ‘races’ so students participate by grade level (K-3, 4-6, 7-8),
• provides participants with a personalized event number and, computer timing chip,
• provides students with their results (by place of finish, or by alphabetical) on the event web site,
• students can download their online personal Finisher Certificate following the event.

Optional RUN4FUN Elements
There are endless opportunities for a school to build the RUN4FUN program to meet its particular needs. RUN4FUN could be a one day physical activity/physical education class, or it could be part of a larger themed educational unit.

RUN4FUN can be modified to meet other school needs, such as FUNdraising, morale boosting, or a special celebration. 

Run4Fun

• can be a part of the physical education aerobic fitness unit, 
• offers cross curricular possibilities to allow subjects such as art, music, math, and geography to be included,
• souvenir event shirts can be produced for student participants,
• can invite local dignitaries to increase interest in the event,
• BBQ’s and other fundraising ideas can be built into the event,
• competitions between classes or grades can be developed,
• can incorporate costume competitions, or other themes into the event, and
• draw prizes can be awarded to participants in the event.
  

Run4Fun Canada Contributions
Run4Fun Canada assumes the responsibility for organizing the RUN4FUN. An agreement is reached with the school on how the event will be structured, and who will be responsible for what. Run4Fun Canada would normally provide:

• The event web site, and entry form,
• Ongoing consultation and support,
• 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, and
• Timing, Results, and Online Finishers’ Certificates.

School Responsibilities
The school is responsible to supervise its students, and remains in charge of the overall conduct of the event. Working with Run4Fun Canada personnel, the school would normally:

• approve the event web site 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 Start, and Finish Line,
• develop any options to the basic program it wishes, and
• provide a modest number of course, and finish line marshals.

RUN4RUN Program Cost
The cost of the basic RUN4FUN Program is $6 + HST per student for the total school population.

School Cost Recovery
The school may choose from a number of strategies, to pay the student RUN4FUN fee. Some strategies that have proven successful are,

• using the school budget,
• charging each student an entry fee,
• developing a participant pledge program, and
• finding a corporate sponsor.

• A participant pledge program.
• 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 Terry McKinty at terry@somersault.ca.