From left to right, Kingman Academy High Schoolers Gavin Hopper, Braydon Rudolph and Braydon Mortensen charge down the .8-mile trail as part of their two-lap run. Photo courtesy of Tony Victory
KINGMAN – Roughly 900 Kingman Academy of Learning students, teachers and staff got to enjoy a morning exercise routine Thursday.
With a week until Thanksgiving Day, all four schools – primary (Kindergarten through 2nd grade), intermediate (3rd-5th grade), middle (6th-8th grade) and high school (9th-12th grade) spent the morning outside making a lap or two around Centennial Park during the Kingman Academy Turkey Trot, a yearly tradition for at least 15 years.
“The P.E. teachers take turns each year taking charge of the run,” said Intermediate School Principal Jeff Martin.
Each school/grade runs different lengths around the trail and park. After their run, some kids were trying to catch their breath while others simply walked around as if they’ve done this before.
The Centennial Park running trail is .8 miles one lap and 1.6 two laps. The primary and intermediate schools with their smaller legs and fitness levels run about 100 yards, partial or full lap whereas the middle and high school students run two laps.
The teachers watch the kids develop over the years.
“It’s fun to see them start as kindergarteners and watch them grow and run farther,” said Tony Victory, Kingman Academy Middle School principal. “There are students who’ve done 12 or 13 of these runs.”
Roughly 200-plus parents and friends gathered by the finish line and spread themselves around the park’s running trail.
“It’s the last day of school before Thanksgiving break,” Victory said. “It’s a good experience for the kids and teachers to get outside.”
The Turkey Trot is a family event.
“A lot of times it gives siblings who are at different schools on campus the opportunity to see each other,” said Victory. “This is a good tradition for our families.”
Aaron Ricca
