Daviess County Middle School will be holding its 5th annual Boo Run this Saturday, Oct. 27.
According to DCMS Physical Education teacher Alese Ferrell, the Boo Run is a fun costume-themed (optional) community run/walk to try to get kids and their families involved in healthy activities together.
“We encourage all participants big and small to participate in the fun walk/run wearing your Halloween costume,” Ferrell said. “You can push infants or toddlers through either race.”
As far as why she thinks it is important to continue the Boo Run tradition each year, Ferrell said she hopes it is an opportunity for the family to learn together about putting their health first and creating healthy habits.
“I believe if children see their parents put wellness as a priority then they too will pursue healthy habits,” Ferrell said.
The event will offer bouncy houses, prizes, a low-cost entry fee, healthy snacks, and “an all-around fun atmosphere to encourage play and movement,” in addition to a 3K and 5K walk/run.
The goal of this event is to raise money in order to help create and sustain healthy environments where students, especially those in greatest need, can learn more and flourish.
Ferrell hopes to use the money raised this year to purchase Heart Zones heart rate monitors for EVERY student.
“I really would love to purchase heart rate monitors this year with the funds we raise,” Ferrell said. “Heart Zones heart rate monitors are a data-driven program that engages, assesses and motivates physical activity. By providing students these monitors, we are providing them with real-time feedback during class.”
Ferrell said the monitors will also assist her in creating customized fitness programs for her students. If DCMS were able to raise enough funds to get the monitors, they would be the first school in the state of KY to have them, as far as Ferrell is aware.
The Boo Run begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning, with same day registration beginning at 7:00 a.m. in the DCMS Annex (at the back of the school on the football field). The cost of registration is $15 for adults and $10 for school-aged children 6 and up.