As they circled the back field at Saw Mill Road Elementary School on Nov. 3, students experienced how easy it is to get some exercise. The annual Gobble Run was hosted by the physical education department to promote health and fitness.

Physical education teachers Alyssa Parker and Anthony Novello set up cones around the field, and every five laps equaled one mile. Students and teachers could run, jog or walk, and some hearty youngsters exceeded 20 laps during their 40-minute sessions. The teachers marked their index cards at the completion of each lap.

Each grade level had a chance to partake in the Gobble Run, which served as a launching point for a cardiovascular fitness unit in physical education classes. Ms. Parker and Mr. Novello said they want students to create lifelong habits that promote health and fitness by seeing that activity can be as simple as taking a walk around the neighborhood.

The annual event occurs between Halloween and Thanksgiving, and students had a partly cloudy but dry fall day to enjoy the time outdoors. For their participation, children were encouraged to donate candy at a donation box in the lobby. The candy will be given to the Bellmore Lions Club for its Polar Express holiday event in December.

Click here to view the Saw Mill Students Enjoy Fitness and Friendship 2 slideshow.