Special to The TIMES
The first Lora's Run, a one mile youth run/walk, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Blackhawk Stadium track.
Named for the late Lora McGee Little, the run will award medals to any runners who complete the one-mile distance and is open to kindergartners through sixth-graders.
The President's Fitness Chart will be used to score each runner's effort. A percentage score will be assigned each participant that is based on the individual's age and the time it took to complete the distance. All scores at or above the 85 percentile will earn gold medals, with others scoring above the 50th percentile earning silver medals. Runners who complete the distance but are not above 50 percent will earn bronze medals.
The program is being offered by Pea Ridge school teacher John McGee, who is using it to highlight the schools "7 Habits" program. The seventh of the 7 Habits is to "Sharpen the Saw," which has an application of improving oneself physically. A group of students has been meeting twice a week after school to run and stretch as a group with the goal to improve health and athletic abilities.
The group, known as the Trackhawks, is free to any Pea Ridge student who wishes to participate. They will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at the Pea Ridge City Park.
McGee started a similar program in the mid 1980s, with his daughter Lora McGee among the first runners to participate. She went on to become a standout runner for Bentonville High School. She passed away in April after a 16-month battle with cancer and left behind children who attend Pea Ridge schools.
The race on Sunday will be the first of several such events, and there is no entry or participation fee. Anyone wishing more information about the race or the Trackhawks may contact McGee at 479-381-7412 or by emailing him at [email protected].
Community on 09/27/2017