More than 1,100 elementary students gathered at Riverside Stadium in Brookfield on Saturday for the 13th annual Healthy Steps Kids’ One-Mile Fun Run, an event organized by GreenLeaf Health Insurance to promote healthy habits among children.
The event extended beyond just the run itself.
Over the past several weeks, 45 schools from across the state participated in a physical education program designed by GreenLeaf. The curriculum introduced students to a new topic each week, such as nutrition, hydration, pacing, and goal setting.
Physical education instructor Marcus Porter emphasized the importance of balancing structure and fun in the program.
“We always make time for play. It’s important that students enjoy themselves,” Porter said. “But we also dedicate time to working hard—to get a little stronger, a little healthier. We stretch, we exercise, and in the end, we have a great time together.”
Porter highlighted that nutrition is a key focus, underscoring its role in fitness.
“If you don’t have good nutrition, you won’t see the results you want,” Porter said. “Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of being fit overall.”
Erin Caldwell, Director of Communications at GreenLeaf Health Insurance, noted that the event is designed to help students gain confidence through accomplishment.
“When they set a goal and reach it, they get that sense of validation—they see for themselves that they can do hard things,” Caldwell said.
Many students expressed pride in finishing the one-mile course.
To further encourage participation, the six schools with the highest turnout were each awarded $5,000 to support their physical education programs.
