What started as an idea from a previous school district, quickly grew into a large running club that runs together every Wednesday after school. Third grade teacher Felicia Cortez was ready to get the club up and running - literally.

 

 "I put it as a goal for me [this year] because I was a part of my school's running club in my last district in the DFW area before moving here to Lubbock three years ago," Cortez said. "Because of COVID, it wasn't possible to start this up last year so this year, I ran the idea by our Principal, Mrs. Davis, and she was totally supportive and gave me to go ahead to set it up."

 

Cortez said she expected a few kids would sign up but was surprised with much more than that.

 

"We sent out letters to sign up and we got in 96 forms from students from 1st through 5th grade," Cortez said. "We have CRC every Wednesday after school and run around our school campus. We have a 5th grader who is consistently getting in three miles every practice! His mom has even texted saying how much he enjoys CRC and looks forward to every Wednesday."

 

Cortez explained that each week teachers and parent volunteers help monitor the CRC as they walk and run. She said that the club has really helped with student engagement.

 

"The kids are loving this, and it really is exactly what some of the kids need," Cortez said. "This is an outlet for some students who need this type of extracurricular activity; an activity not tied to their academic strengths."

 

Cortez said the group was even going to have shirts made and she can't wait to wear them on Wednesdays with her students.

 

"We just got our shirts designed and we are ordering them now," Cortez said. "I teach 3rd grade Reading and Writing, but I've loved running for years and for me it's a great stress reliever, so I thought I could combine two of my loves - teaching and running. I also got my 1st grade daughter to join in and although I don't think she inherited my running genes, she loves 'coaching,' cheering on the runners, and handing out stickers."

 

Cortez explained that to many the club might seem ordinary but to her, and the students and volunteers, it is so much more. 

 

"It might just seem like kids running around the school to a person driving by or looking out, but it's much more than that," Cortez said. "We are building relationships with our kids."