About 550 students gathered outside to watch Principal Missy McQueen and teachers, all wearing inflatable costumes, take the first sprint on the school’s playground.

“I like all the teachers in inflatables; it’s fun,” said fifth-grader Taggart, who cheered them on.

It was the start of the Woodstock Dash, where each grade took turns completing laps around the field during a 15-minute time limit. Volunteers marked the number of laps each student ran, turning fitness and fun into a fundraiser.

Leading up to the run, students had asked family, friends and neighbors to pledge donations for their effort. The goal: raise $10,000 to help pay for buses for field trips, assemblies and school activities.

The students understood the importance of their event.

“We’re raising money for our school fundraiser,” explained fifth-grader Olivia.

“The money is used to make school ‘funner,’” Zainab added.

“And it will pay for things for the teachers to help teach us,” Weston said.

As for the best part of the day? 

Fifth-grader Damon said: “I like running and feeling free.”