From Fitness to Fellowship

Sometimes, the most impactful school initiatives emerge from reimagining past traditions. At Johnsburg Elementary School (JES) in northern Illinois, we set out to revive a running event that had once been a tradition at our district’s junior high.

The goal was simple: to promote health and fitness while generating student interest in the district’s running programs. What emerged—the Bloodhound Boogie—exceeded our expectations, evolving into something far more meaningful than a fitness challenge.

Our school serves approximately 380 students in grades 3–5. While we initially focused on the physical aspects of the event, we discovered that the one-mile run would become a powerful catalyst in strengthening school culture and building community connections in ways we hadn’t anticipated.

Preparing for Success

The key to the event’s success was careful preparation. Physical education (PE) teachers developed a graduated training program for students to follow in the weeks leading up to the event. Students started with shorter distances, building endurance and learning proper pacing techniques. The approach ensured that every student could experience progress and build confidence.

“What made this event special wasn’t just the running; it was watching our kids grow both as runners and as people,” says PE teacher Brett Smith. “The weeks of training paid off not just in improved fitness, but in the way our students embraced the true spirit of sportsmanship.”

Community Support

The event drew substantial support from the community, with approximately 200 family members attending grade-level race day events to cheer on their children. Gathering near the start/finish line, they created an energetic atmosphere of encouragement and celebration.

On the opposite side of the route, students who weren’t running added to the excitement, waving handmade signs and cheering enthusiastically as classmates started and finished the race—boys cheering for the girls’ races and vice versa.

The strong turnout resulted from PE and classroom teachers sharing event details in emails sent through the Seesaw platform. Anticipation
created a festive atmosphere in which parents witnessed their children pushing through challenges and achieving goals.

Impact on School Culture

The Bloodhound Boogie’s influence extended far beyond race day. Interest in the track team spiked among fifth graders, and the event became a powerful example of students’ perseverance and growth. “Even though I didn’t love running, my parents were proud of me, and it taught me that I can do big things,” said third grader Wynn Schill.

Perhaps the most powerful moment came when approximately 50 fourth graders spontaneously joined to accompany a struggling classmate across the finish line. This display of solidarity and support exemplified the school culture we strive to build at JES. “Seeing students return to encourage their classmates who were still running showed us that our Bloodhounds understand what really matters: supporting one another,” says PE teacher Michelle Klinnert.

Bloodhound Boogie events culminated in an awards assembly the following week, where medals were presented to the top 10 boys and girls in each grade level. We also recognized classes with pizza parties to celebrate outstanding combinations of performance, participation, and sportsmanship.

For future events, we’re looking at ways to expand recognitions to celebrate various aspects of student participation. Additional rewards will reinforce the concept that success comes in many forms beyond just crossing the finish line first.

Practical Considerations

For principals interested in creating a schoolwide event like the Bloodhound Boogie, here are several key planning considerations:

1. Progressive preparation. Build student confidence through incremental training rather than focusing solely on the final event.
2. Inclusive recognition. While acknowledging top performers, be sure to create ways for all students to feel successful.
3. Community support. Engage local sponsors and coordinate parent donations for event materials, banners, refreshments, and achievement medals. This gives families and businesses multiple ways to contribute.
4. Memory-making. Create photo opportunities families will treasure. Consider a permanent, reusable finish-line banner with messages like “Bloodhound Boogie Champion” or “I Conquered the Mile!”
5. Cultural connection. Link the event to the broader values of your school, and use it as a reference point throughout the year.
6. Safety and logistics. Have contingency plans for weather, prepare the course to avoid hazards, and install a first-aid station with basic supplies.

Even in its first year, the Bloodhound Boogie established itself as a powerful part of our school identity. When students face challenges, teachers reference Boogie achievements as evidence of their capability to overcome obstacles. As one fifth grader said after his surprising top-10 finish, “When I crossed the finish line, I was tired and in pain, but I was happy because I never knew I could do it.”

The Bloodhound Boogie achieved its original goal: promoting fitness and running programs. But the event also strengthened our school community, proving that the most powerful initiatives create lasting impacts in unexpected ways.

Bridget E. Belcastro is principal of Johnsburg Elementary School in Johnsburg, Illinois.