Members of Running Club at Kimmel Farm Elementary Participate in 5K

Early this semester, Allyn Helsabeck, a speech/language pathologist at Kimmel Farm Elementary School, started the GO FAR 5K training and running club.

“We had over 60 students participate in a twice weekly training program that promoted fitness, character education building and healthy eating habits,” Helsabeck said. “On Saturday, May 3 our team along with staff and parents (over 70) participated in the 5K held in High Point and every participant crossed the finish line!”

Helsabeck said that she had the support of the school’s PTA, plus teacher and parent volunteers. “With generous donations from family, friends and local sponsors we were able to provide healthy snacks for each training session, character education lessons, guest speakers from Wake Forest University and additional personal trainers.

“We also raised enough to cover the majority of each student's registration fee! The event day was incredible with over 2,400 children from surrounding counties and schools all running together!” 

Helsabeck with student

Each student who ran in the race received a race day T-shirt, a medal and a sling sack. Our team also was awarded weekly with character education team awards as well as individual awards of foot tokens that they kept on a chain as the program progressed!

On Friday, May 30, the team will gather one last time to celebrate everyone’s dedication and perseverance.

“It will be our day to shine,” Helsabeck said, “with awards, certificates and a slideshow to celebrate our accomplishments from the first day we began practice back in February to the completion of our first annual GO FAR Running Club at Kimmel Farm!”