Sweat, smiles and friendly competition were on display at the recent Chippewa Mini Marathon, where students, staff and family members ran in the annual race in honor of two former Chippewa students, Grace Peshkur and Josh Mileto.

For 12 years, the daylong event rich in tradition has drawn enthusiastic crowds of family and friends as they cheered on each grade level as they ran their designated course. Wearing their mini-marathon shirts donated by the PTA, fourth and fifth grade students completed a full-mile course; the other grade levels ran a shorter distance. Additionally, parents, teachers and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Graham joined in on the day’s excitement as they completed the course. 

“Each year the enthusiasm has grown from the kids,” second grade teacher and event organizer Mary Bernhard said. “Students talk about setting goals, beating times and trying to do better than they did last year. What I have noticed over the years is the camaraderie that the students show for one another. Nobody crosses the finish line last or without cheers from the crowd supporting them to finish, whether it be walking, running or both.”