Running with the fifth-graders

Superintendent Cindy Lane ran with the fifth-graders today to practice for the “Are You Faster than a Fifth-Grader” race on April 25. The practice was at John F. Kennedy Elementary School playground. (Staff photo)

Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools Superintendent Cindy Lane today worked out with fifth-graders at John F. Kennedy Elementary School to prepare for the “Are You Faster than a Fifth-Grader” race on April 25.

Superintendent Lane talked to the students about the importance of keeping physically fit, as well as keeping their grades up.

The fifth-graders at Kennedy School, 2600 N. 72nd, gathered and ran a few short warm-up sprints on the playground, then took about 10 or so laps around the playground for their workout.

While some of the students were in front of the superintendent in the sprints, the superintendent left some of the students behind in the long-distance laps today.

After the practice, Superintendent Lane said she believed the kids were ready for the annual race on April 25.

About 500 students, administrators, staff and community leaders are expected to participate in the race April 25, which will start at the Schlitterbahn and end at Sporting KC Stadium.

Superintendent Cindy Lane ran with the fifth-graders today to practice for the “Are You Faster than a Fifth-Grader” race on April 25. The practice was at John F. Kennedy Elementary School playground. (Staff photo)
Superintendent Cindy Lane ran with the fifth-graders today to practice for the “Are You Faster than a Fifth-Grader” race on April 25. The practice was at John F. Kennedy Elementary School playground. (Staff photo)
Superintendent Cindy Lane ran with the fifth-graders today to practice for the “Are You Faster than a Fifth-Grader” race on April 25. The practice was at John F. Kennedy Elementary School playground. (Staff photo)
Superintendent Cindy Lane ran with the fifth-graders today to practice for the “Are You Faster than a Fifth-Grader” race on April 25. The practice was at John F. Kennedy Elementary School playground. (Staff photo)
Superintendent Cindy Lane ran with the fifth-graders today to practice for the “Are You Faster than a Fifth-Grader” race on April 25. The practice was at John F. Kennedy Elementary School playground. (Staff photo)
Superintendent Cindy Lane ran with the fifth-graders today to practice for the “Are You Faster than a Fifth-Grader” race on April 25. The practice was at John F. Kennedy Elementary School playground. (Staff photo)
Superintendent Cindy Lane ran with the fifth-graders today to practice for the “Are You Faster than a Fifth-Grader” race on April 25. The practice was at John F. Kennedy Elementary School playground. (Staff photo)
After the end of the workout Tuesday at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, students, teacher and superintendent gathered for a moment. (Staff photo)
Before their workout on Tuesday morning, Superintendent Cindy Lane, left, told fifth-graders at John F. Kennedy Elementary School that it was important to keep physically fit, as well as keeping their grades up. With Superintendent Lane, on the left, was teacher Brent Eighmey. (Staff photo)
A few fifth-graders took a rest toward the end of their laps around the playground Tuesday, as Superintendent Cindy Lane continued running. (Staff photo)
Superintendent Cindy Lane ran a short practice sprint with fifth-graders at John F. Kennedy Elementary School on Tuesday. (Staff photo)
Scenes from the workout today at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, preparing for the “Are You Faster than a Fifth-Grader” race on April 25. (Staff photo)
Scenes from the workout today at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, preparing for the “Are You Faster than a Fifth-Grader” race on April 25. (Staff photo)
Brent Eighmey, teacher, led the group of John F. Kennedy Elementary fifth-graders and Superintendent Cindy Lane in some stretching exercises before practice Tuesday. (Staff photo)
John F. Kennedy Elementary fifth-graders and Superintendent Cindy Lane did some stretching exercises before practice Tuesday. (Staff photo)