Lawrence schools, Hy-Vee to host kickoff event for school running clubs

The Lawrence school district is partnering with Hy-Vee to host a season kickoff event for its elementary schools’ marathon teams. Pack the Field will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Southwest Middle School track, 2511 Inverness Drive.

On the roster for the event: a workout, informational booths (including those affiliated with school gardens and marathon clubs) and snacks. All marathon and running clubs, and families of interested students ages 5 to 12, are invited to attend.

All 14 Lawrence elementary schools offer running clubs open to students and their families. The clubs typically meet before or after school once or twice per week and encourage students to move at their own pace to reach 26.2 miles, the length of a marathon. More than 1,600 students participated in running clubs last year, according to the Lawrence school district.