“The 5K is … very challenging to run!” Justice Hunter, 12, on the Dream Team said, after finishing the 5K on Nov. 17.

Students have mixed opinions about the 5K and its impact on their health. Some students feel like the 5K is a good opportunity, while others disagree. 

RCMS offers a unique PE program, one of the activities being the 5K. The activity is timed, and the maximum time limit is 50 minutes. 

Not all schools offer this particular activities. Some other schools substitute it with the mile, which requires kids to complete a mile’s distance. In comparison, the 5K is 3.11 miles around the track.

“I had a lot of fun and did a lot of exercise!” Shreeya Suresh, a seventh-grade student on the All-Stars team, said. 

They certainly did do a lot of exercise. About once a week, students completed what the PE teachers refer to as “Jedi training.” This was basically just running around the cross-country course for as long as possible while recording the number of laps completed.

“I feel satisfied with my time of 37 minutes!” huffed Arjaav Islam, another seventh-grader. “We got to play basketball after!” he exclaimed.

Despite some enthusiasm towards the event, others despise it and claim it could have a negative effect on the body. 

“I definitely would not do it again, and I think it could be bad for you, in some cases,” stated Liam Hoang, 12, on the Dream Team. “I think it could over-exert a person, and there aren’t any breaks!” he says.

Some students want to ban the event all together.

“No!” exclaims Jack Estes, on the All-Stars team. “I love running with my friends — the suffering bonds you!” he says.