Published: October 19, 2009 11:16 pm      

Fun Run for exercise

Some 400 children show up for 30th year of race.

GALVESTON — Kindergartner Gannon Davis of Thompson Elementary left other Fun Run racers in what dust the 15 mph winds Thursday had not blown away.

Davis, 6, won in the youngest division of the 30th annual Southeastern Elementary Fun Run by crossing the finish line well ahead of the competition. The first place finish somewhat surprised his fans.

“He did a good job,” said proud father Grant Davis. “He was worried about not finishing.”

The pair practiced just one time leading up to the race, which took place in a field next to Galveston Elementary.

When asked how he felt about winning, Gannon said, “Good.” He did so without appearing like he just sprinted 600 meters.

An estimated 400 children participated in the long-standing race that pits students from Galveston and Thompson elementary schools in kindergarten through sixth grade against each other by level of participation from each school.

But more importantly, said event organizer and Galveston Elementary art teacher Stu Whitcomb, the race is about burning calories through exercise, completing what the students set out to do and having fun.

“Some kids can fun fast. Other kids may be able to run far,” Whitcomb said. “I try to tell them I’m proud of them whether they’re first, last or anywhere in the middle.”

Each student who finishes gets a ribbon, as well as a bonus. Because the race is in its 30th year, Whitcomb gathered coupons for discounts at 16 area businesses.

Trophies were handed out to the overall fastest girl and fastest boy. Those results, as well as the school with the most participation, were not available prior to publication.

Teresa Mygrant, treasurer of the Galveston Parent Teacher Organization and parent of 7-year-old second grader Layton Mygrant, said she supported for the event because of its obvious benefits.

“I think it is good for the kids to have a sense of accomplishment,” Mygrant said. “And, it’s so good for them to be active.”

Mygrant complemented Whitcomb for his efforts year after year to get the kids excited about the Fun Run. She considers him to be a great asset to the school.

Whitcomb and Lewis Cass cross county coach Don Bonsett started the event 30 years ago. Since then, Whitcomb has compiled a database of all 6,000-plus runners. According to his figures, those participants have covered more than 6.6 million meters, which equates to a 4,133-mile trip from Cass County to southern California and back.

“We’re just tickled that kids participate,” said Whitcomb, who added that there is also the added benefit of possibly finding a hidden talent for future Southeastern track and cross county teams.

• Kevin Lilly is news editor of the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at (574) 732-5117 or kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com.