Half Marathon club members including students and teachers have been training and getting ready to run in the Go! St. Louis race on April 8.

Runners include athletes from the cross country team, students training for the track and field season, students and teachers just trying to stay in shape, and individuals just trying to have fun running a 13.1 mile course.

Some of the other main reasons why people participate include increasing their fitness and health, to get involved in school activities, to accomplish running a half-marathon, and to earn rewards for continuing with their training including nice running shoes, shirts, and a running jacket.

The group of very committed runners have some days been training in freezing weather, battling wind chill temperatures that measure below 0 degrees. 

“I believe that running, especially in colder weather, is beneficial for yourself by building your perseverance,” half marathon runner sophomore Somlinh Chittakhone said.

The training started last semester, and the schedule is set to continue until the race in April. Also on the calendar is a pasta party on April 6 to help runners carbo load before the race. 

The time commitment made by these individuals is tremendous, having to run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school. Closer to the race, Saturday long-runs will replace the Friday afternoon practices.

While most students leave school after the final bell, these individuals are just getting started while becoming more fit and becoming better runners.

“I do believe that running in the Half Marathon Club is worth it,” Chittakhone said. “Not only because I’m able to improve myself, but help others improve as well.”

The sign-up process is already over for the 2018 race, but interested students are eligible to sign up for next year’s event.