The Hiller 5K

Cardiovascular fitness in adolescents is directly linked to a host of benefits, including academic achievement, better mental health, and an improved sense of self-worth. Yet, according to the American Heart Association, only 40 percent of U.S. youth are believed to be aerobically fit.

Some farsighted teachers in Hopkinton, MA – and one in particular – jumped ahead of that curve when the Hopkinton Middle School Wellness Program launched its elective program for eighth-graders during the 2008-2009 school year. One result, ‘5K Training’ – fondly known as ‘Hiller 5K Block’ – is a phys-ed course for students that culminates in an annual five-kilometer race. In its latest iteration, more than 200 students participated – the largest group since the race’s inception.

The semester-long program is conducted by Hopkinton educator Debra Pinto, and incorporates several critical life and health skills, including goal setting, running safety, and how to avoid injury when running. Participating students voluntarily gave up a free period during the school day to train for the 5k.

“Electives are a way for students to have a voice and choice in their education,” Pinto explains. “Teachers John Parker, Kristen Santos and I developed a curriculum that we thought would reach a wide range of interests, and that students would enjoy. We also used our own individual passions to create the electives. Some electives have evolved over time, while others have stood the test of time.

“The ‘5K Training’ elective started as ‘Walking For Fitness,’ she continues. “I was teaching myself to racewalk and had started to do a little racing. Eventually, I started pursuing the sport of triathlon. I became a fan and participant, from sprints to Ironman. That, in turn, led me to becoming a USOC [US Olympic Committee] certified ‘Adult and Youth Coach.’

“My passion developed from all the positive things I was experiencing from my participation in the sport, and I wanted to share that with my students,” Pinto adds. “We developed ‘5K Training’ during the 2010-2011 school year, and we haven't looked back.”

The 5K Training class has been recognized at the state and national level, and the 26.2 Foundation, a program sponsor from the start, is exploring the opportunity to develop a templated curriculum for an elective that could be made available to schools across the country.