Lonita Loro

Lonita is one of many volunteer coaches in this year’s Kids Run Club, a free, schoolbased running program celebrating 15 years of getting more than 17,000 children and youth active across Nova Scotia every year. Cape Breton has more than 30 schools, 60 coaches and 2,700 runners participating so far this year. The program encourages children to get active and have fun while learning to run. The training will culminate on June 1, when the 15th Annual Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run is held at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney. For more information, visit kidsrunclub.ca and capebretonfiddlersrun.com

School: Tompkins Memorial

Elementary

Occupation: Elementary Phys. Ed

Teacher

Family: Married, two boys (Nick, 17, Derek, 12) Birthplace: New Waterford Home: River Ryan Pets: nil

How long: Participating in Kids Run Club since 2004.

Why did you get involved?

Information was sent out to the schools and I saw this as a great opportunity for students to be involved in. It cost nothing, no skill required, getting physical fitness and having fun with friends of all ages.

When do you run?

We have our running club during Phys. Ed classes. It is mostly done indoors but as we get closer to the Fiddler’s run we move outside.

What is your favourite part?

My favourite part is that students do not stress over it. They go at their own pace or run with a buddy.

Best advice to other runners?

Best advice is keep moving. Go at your own pace and keep breathing.

What is the best part of the Kids Run Club?

The students are excited in their progress and like hearing that they are doing extra running outside of school hours. On the day of the run it is great to see so many students from other schools. I enjoy seeing other teachers and parents out supporting their students. A warm sunny day helps too!