The rain didn’t deter the first through fourth grade students from Walter M. Kennedy (WMK) Elementary School from running in the Regions Superhero 5k, which is the kick-off event for the Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham on Feb. 10.

A record-breaking number of over 5,400 children participated in the Mercedes Marathon this year. The WMK students ran the Regions Superhero 5K in downtown Birmingham beginning in Linn Park. Students in the Running Club at WMK, led by sponsors Sonya Calhoun and Monica Christian, have been increasing their skill and endurance throughout the year to finish the 3.1 mile run.

“I am inspired by my runners,” Christian, who teaches first grade at WMK said. “They push me to do better and try to improve my time. Seeing the kids’ faces as they crossed the finish line at the 5K was a true reward. I’m honored and blessed to be a part of their fitness journey.”

At the completion of the Mercedes-Benz Marathon, each participant received a Region’s Superhero Medal.  Proceeds raised through the marathon benefitted the children at The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. The Bell Center is “dedicated to maximizing the potential of children from birth to three years of age who are at risk for developmental delay.” 

Programs at WMK like the running club are offering opportunities to elementary school children through their after school clubs. WMK has a writing club, robotics club, and a computer science club that each meet once a week.

Lurena Reid, the writing club sponsor, is glad that the children have this extra opportunity to learn new skills.