Thirty years ago, Kathy Reynolds, then a first-grade teacher and former Boston Marathoner, launched McMillan’s Fit Fun Run. She encouraged students to pledge to run one, two, or three miles. That first year, Reynolds ran alongside her own students and a kindergarten class.

What began as a small classroom initiative has grown into a schoolwide tradition. This year marked the 16th return for former student Joseph Longhurst, who once again joined the lead runners after upper-grade students kicked things off with stretches to the tune of “YMCA.” Before Longhurst, another one of Reynolds’ former students, Tyler Howland, led the pack for two decades.

Through the years, Reynolds had numerous parent volunteers helping as well as former school sports specialist Tammy Jenkins who volunteered for 20 years; her daughter, third-grade teacher Angie Thompson, now has taken over the coordination of the run.

Wearing T-shirts designed by sixth-grader Eleanor Goodman featuring the motto “Yes I can,” 450 students took off from Friendship Park. Accompanied by the Murray Police, they ran through nearby neighborhoods lined with uplifting signs like “You’re mighty,” a nod to their mascot, the Mighty Mites.

Teachers, staff, families and friends joined running the course, providing encouragement along the way. Though Reynolds has retired from running, she cheered from a golf cart, supporting the young runners. Neighbors contributed by ringing bells, offering water and spraying runners, making the event a community celebration.

The students, even those who found it challenging to maintain a steady pace, crossed the finish line back at the school.

“Many of them finish with smiles on their faces and other students are cheering them on,” Reynolds said in 2009. 

The same spirit ran true this year.λ