News : 1-mile run: New VS Cross Country tradition begins

Mr. Lorenzen was the first to reach the finish line in the first annual VS 1 Mile Run.

VS teachers and community members begin the inaugural 1 Mile Run/Walk during home XC meet.

Heather Kalous finished second.

Basketball coach Joe Johnson was among the VS faculty in the 1 Mile Run.

Kristi Storey laughs after completing a handstand near the finish line.

Cross country dad Kyle Schminke was among the participants.

VSHS Band Director Nick Waymire approaches the finish line.

Danielle Phippen: Tilford teacher was among 60 participants.

Mr. Frazier shares a laugh with 1 Mile Run participants before the event.

Trash talk: Mr. Lorenzen and Mrs. Kalous debate who will finish first. He did; she was second.

Heather Kalous helps School Board Pres. Sue Gates with her VSHS crown.

Vinton-Shellsburg faculty members stood near the start line, looking around Rodgers Park, searching for a familiar face.

"Where's Mr. Lorenzen?" some asked.

Tyler Lorenzen had spent the day telling inviting everyone to join the first annual Vinton-Shellsburg 1 Mile run, so they could, in his words: "Finish second to me."

Cross Country Coach John Frazier came up with the idea as a way of promoting fitness and school spirit at the same time.

"It's good for the students to see their teachers doing this," he said, just before the race began.

The race is open to anyone; many teachers wore and passed out VSHS crowns for runners to wear. Some parents of cross country runners also participated, along with siblings and other members of the VS community.

Mr. Lorenzen showed up last, arriving just before the race began.

But, like he promised, he finished first. VSHS PE teacher Heather Kalous was second.

Approximately 60 people participate in the first annual event. Next year's home meet will begin with the second annual 1 Mile Run/Walk.