The annual Lafayette Elementary School Walk-A-Thon was more of a run as kids darted around the quarter-mile track Friday, Oct. 23. First-graders took to the pavement first, many going 16 laps, a few going 20.

"I can barely walk," said first grader Jordan Allen with pride after running 16 laps. "My feet hurt."

Kids, and some brave teachers and parents, ran laps around the school’s playground in the chilly rain to raise money for school programs. The funds raised from this volunteer-run effort allow Lafayette to offer a variety of programs not funded by the school district.

According to the school, In 2008, the event raised more than $55,000 in pledges and sponsorships, which enabled the school to pay for: a tutor program, Accelerated Reader tests, computer lab equipment, art and science enrichment programs, library books and art materials and playground fund.