The Peru Gazette

The culminating event for the Nighthawk Running Club, a family run, was held this afternoon at Peru’s Heyworth-Mason Park. Parents/guardians were invited to run, jog, or walk with their child, and for the first time, the students were able to experience the feel of an “official” race with the help of Steve Peters and his Adirondack Coast timing system.

The Nighthawk Running Club (formerly known as Mighty Milers, Road Runners, and Wolfpack) took to the roads this school year after a two-year COVID hiatus with the participation of 92 students! Since April, Peru Intermediate School students in grades 3-5 have participated in a 7-week run, jog, walk program practicing every Monday and Wednesday after school for an hour. Thirteen volunteer coaches, including teachers, secretaries, and the school nurse, dedicated their time to each group. Tiffany Berry and Saania Brindisi were the co-organizers.

Many participants averaged 3-5 miles of running per session throughout the seven weeks. Since the start of this program in 2016, many participants have become members of the modified and varsity track program. Tiffany Berry stated, “We are so proud of our participants and a huge thank you goes to the volunteers who help make this program possible!