Improve Your Running Program By Recognizing Their Milestones

Toe Tokens® are everyone's favorite Mileage Club® award. They are so very effective in motivating kids to run instead of sitting during recess. Students are excited to collect every color of foot available.  And they get to wear a lanyard showing all of their friends how far they have run.

Now you can leverage the amazing motivational benefits of Toe Tokens with Milestone Awards!

Milestone Awards are for the long-term, bigger goals you help your students achieve.


Unlike Toe Tokens, which are meant to be earned by everyone, a Milestone Award is designed to be reached by the hardest working students. For the kids who refuse to miss a running day due to bad weather or those who request a makeup day following an illness. You will probably only have a few of these students in your program. These special “Milestones” are not intended to be reached by everyone.

Mileage Club Milestone Award Table

    Milestone Awards must be unique and special. Reaching difficult milestones deserves bigger awards. Because of this, we just added a new product to our lineup called the Snap-On Toe Token Charm. This award is larger than your standard toe token and is made of a rubberized material that is soft and pliable. 

The Snap-On Toe Token Charm is designed for encouragement and style! The patented snap technology makes it simple to snap on and snap off these awards on almost anything. This technology was originally designed to get away from the sharp pins used to hold a bib onto your shirt when running a road race. 

Show off these special Toe Tokens on your favorite clothing and accessories without the fear of ruining them! Snap it onto a shirt, watch bands, a backpack, a hat, or a shoe.   

Try our Snap-On Toe Token Charm for one of this season’s Milestone Awards for your top runners, and you will see your program "run" better than ever. 

How Atlanta Track Club Maximizes Their Community Reach

Run clubs are advantageous for everyone involved—parents, teachers, kids, etc. 

There are so many benefits:

• Goal setting
• Habit formation 
• Increased physical activity 
• Fun

And these are just a few of them! Starting a run club because of these benefits is a no-brainer, but if you find yourself without the right tools, it can get a bit tricky – especially if you’re organizing run clubs for a whole community of people.

One way to organize your run club that makes all this much simpler is to use technology to manage, report, and track the data from your club. Our EZ Scan® app is the best tool that makes this easier at any given site or even across a whole community. EZ Scan helps you step back and see the bigger picture.

The EZ Scan “Community” feature provides a place for community leaders to track progress across any number of run club sites (be that schools, Y’s, clubs, or community events). Tracking progress helps ensure that all those parents, teachers, and kids involved are successful with their goals.

One example of a successful EZ Scan community using this feature is the Atlanta Track Club. Originally, Atlanta Track Club started with just 7 locations in the greater Atlanta area, but in a few short years, that number has worked up to 56! Keeping track of mileage for that many locations could be difficult, but with the EZ Scan app, tracking the entire Atlanta Track Club’s community miles is as simple as clicking a button. During the 2021-2022 school year, Atlanta Track Club recorded over 20,000 miles, averaging a whopping 20 miles per child across each of their locations.

As mentioned before, EZ Scan also provides progress reports for individual schools or locations. One such example is Kilometer Kids, the free running program for K-8 kids. Though Kilometer Kids is a part of the Atlanta Track Club community, each Kilometer Kids location individually tracks participants’ laps and helps them set their own goals. They were able to see if each child in their program ran 26.2 miles—the length of a marathon—over their 10-week season.

“Using Fitness Finders’ EZ Scan mileage tracking technology has been a great asset,” said Madison Hafitz, the program manager for Atlanta Track Club’s Kilometer Kids. “EZ Scan allows our coaches to easily track mileage so they can be sure to hand out mileage-based incentives to the kids when they reach their 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full-marathon goals.”
 

Build Better Behavior with Running: Benefit From Having a Running Program

Perhaps you’ve had this happen to you as a kid, or maybe to one of your own children: after forgetting to complete your homework or throwing a little tantrum in the classroom, you were denied recess time. Instead of enjoying recess time, you were forced to sit quietly at your desk and complete schoolwork. 

It’s quite a common practice for teachers and administrators to deal with unruly behavior.  In fact, a 2006 study from the CDC confirmed that a whopping 81.5 percent of elementary schools allowed faculty to exclude students from recess as a form of punishment.1 This probably stems from the misconception that kids running around during recess rewards the student for improper behavior. 

However, this disciplinary method is counterproductive—and can cause even more difficulties in the classroom. To see fewer of these issues, get kids running. You read that right, and to be clear, we are not suggesting using running as a form of punishment. 

It makes sense. The more kids exercise and run, the more energy they burn—allowing them to reenter the classroom with a fresher, calmer mindset. In 2010, researchers conducted a study on elementary school children, comparing kids’ behavior in class on recess and non-recess days. Without a doubt, the students were more on task and less fidgety during the recess days. Jarrett and her colleagues also noted all the children with ADD benefited from the exercise. 2 

Additionally, a separate study in 2019 examined student behavior in the classroom after implementing a run club program. The results showed that classroom behavior significantly improved after participating in the run club—the results were a difference that was “not seen prior to the start of the program.” The researchers went on to conclude that physical activity can decrease disruptive activity in the classroom. 

This isn’t surprising. Our customers have repeated this since the 1990s. A Mileage Club during recess reduces playground hassles and allows kids to run off their energy so they can settle down and more effectively learn. 

Besides getting much-needed exercise and physical activity, run clubs also promote social interaction between peers, provide brain breaks after studying long and hard, and encourage kids to get creative and use their imaginations. But above all else, be reassured that a fun and engaging run club like Mileage Club also helps kids rein in their emotions and behavioral outbreaks. 

If you aren’t running yet, don’t you think your school could benefit to improve in this area? 

10 Powerful Benefits of Starting a School Run Club

Discover the top 10 benefits of school run clubs — from boosting student focus and fitness to building community spirit and lifelong healthy habits.

Why Every School Should Start a Run Club

If you’re looking for a way to keep your kids engaged, active, and excited to learn, school-run clubs are one of the most effective, affordable, and fun solutions.

More than 20,000 schools worldwide participate in programs like Mileage Club, helping millions of students build healthy habits, improve learning readiness, and develop confidence through movement. 

But it's not just kids who benefit - teachers, parents, and communities all share in the rewards. Here are the top 10 reasons to start (or strengthen) your school's running club this year.

 10 Reasons to Strengthen Your Schools Run Club

1.  Reduce Playground Conflicts

Recess can sometimes lead to conflicts or accidents when kids have too much unstructured time. Running clubs provide a positive structure that helps kids release energy, boost their mood, and reduce behavioral issues.

Teachers report fewer playground hassles and a more focused, positive recess experience when Mileage Club or other run clubs are active.

2.  Combat Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity remains a serious concern in 2025, with nearly 1 in 5 US children classified as obese (CDC). This can lead to several health risks for children, both as children and later in life. Back in 2017–2018, a staggering total of 14.4 million children in the US were obese. To break it down even further, 13.4% of those children were 2-5 year-olds, while 20.3% were 6-11 year-olds. 

Regular, enjoyable exercise is key - and run clubs make it happen. Even short, daily runs or walk during recess or PE can dramatically improve cardiovascular health and mood, help target and prevent obesity for elementary school children.

In the 2019 - 2020 school year, Mileage Club students collectively ran over 7 million miles!

The COVID-19 pandemic increased childhood obesity concerns. With fewer opportunities for regular exercise during this time, all BMI categories except underweight children experienced significant weight gain. Severely obese children gained an average of 7.3 pounds over 6 months, compared to a weight gain of 2.7 pounds for healthy children. 

To reverse this negative trend, teachers are increasingly utilizing running clubs because of all the benefits. 

3.  Build Goal-Setting Skills

Run clubs teach kids how to set, track, and achieve goals. With EZ Scan, Fitness Finder's easy-to-use tracking app, students can instantly see their progress while teachers gather valuable performance data.

As children reach mileage milestones, they build confidence - and learn that perseverance pays off. 

4.  Make Exercise Fun and Engaging

Kids love rewards and recognition! When something is engaging and fun, kids will be more willing to participate—that’s what run clubs are all about! Programs like Mileage Club use colorful Toe Tokens and creative incentives to keep students motivated. 

Studies show that when rewards are introduced, participation can increase by 50% - and teachers agree: students look forward to every running day.

"A study based in Canada from the 1990s found that adding rewards to their run club increased participation from children by 50%."

5.  Reduce Sitting Time

Ever heard that sitting is the new smoking? While the phrase was originally coined to call out the sedentary lifestyle of adults through their desk jobs, driving, and TV watching, it applies to children now as well. Between school, homework, and screens, children now spend over 60% of their day sitting. That inactivity impacts posture, energy, and even heart health. 

 Although seemingly harmless, sitting for extended periods can be quite harmful. For young girls who sit uninterrupted for just three hours, it can cause a major reduction in their vascular function (the body’s ability to carry blood through the veins and arteries). Because of these consequences, it’s important to get kids up and moving. 

 

Run clubs give students a reason to get up and move - improving blood flow, mood, and energy levels while combating the effects of long sitting periods.

6.  Boost Focus with Brain Breaks

With shorter attention spans, kids need movement to focus. Short "brain breaks" that involve running or walking help reset their attention span to recoup back to the task at hand and improve learning.

In 2016, psychologist Karrie Godwin measured students’ attentiveness throughout a class period. The results? Kids spent a quarter of the time distracted, meaning that shorter, bite-sized lessons with brain breaks in between better help kids focus on their lessons and their teacher. Plus, the study promoted other benefits that brain breaks provide, such as decreased stress, an increase in productivity and brain function, and more opportunities for kids to socialize with each other. 

A 2023 study in Frontiers in Psychology confirmed that even 15 minutes of moderate exercise improves classroom concentration and reduces stress levels.

Run clubs provide the perfect, structured opportunity for those movement breaks. 

 

7.  Improve Learning Readiness

Movement fuels the brain. Physical activity has been shown to increase memory retention and cognitive performance, making run clubs a powerful educational tool. 

For example, one such study showed that physical fitness improved academic performance and expressly called for schools to dedicate time in the day for gym and recess rather than scrapping those for more class time. 

Instead of losing class time, schools gain engaged, alert students ready to learn after their laps. 

8. Create Lifelong Healthy Habits

Run clubs help children internalize the joy of regular exercise. Using habit-building principles from James Clear's Atomic Habits, programs like Mileage Club pair clear cues, motivation, routine activity, and rewards - forming habits that can last a lifetime. 

James Clear lays out a four-step pattern to create habits that improve your health: 

• Cue—the trigger for a behavior
• Craving—the motivation behind wanting to do the habit
• Response—the performed habit
• Reward—the end goal

Run clubs follow a similar framework by making regular physical activity part of a child’s routine and providing them with a tangible reward, like Toe Tokens®, at the end. With this in place, children are already well on their way to creating healthy habits that are easy to continue later in life! 

We highly recommend reading chapter three of Clear’s book, which contains more information on habit formation, to apply these principles to your own plans.

9. Support Mental Health and Social Skills 

According to the National Center for School Mental Health, physical activity is one of the best ways to promote well-being and reduce anxiety in students.

Sharon Hoover, a co-director of the University of Maryland-based National Center for School Mental Health, made it clear that schools “need to invest now in the mental health and well-being of our kids broadly and comprehensively—not just for children with learning disabilities and diagnosed mental health conditions, but for all students.” 

Run clubs provide a goal-oriented social outlet, encouraging teamwork, empathy, and self-confidence - without the pressure of competition. Kids cheer each other on, building connection through movement.

Run clubs are also easily adjusted to practice social-distancing guidelines; kids can still gain benefits while maintaining safety for themselves and others!

10. Be the Teacher They'll Always Remember

Obviously! Kids love it.  Running clubs don't just get kids moving - they help you make a lasting impact. When students associate school with fun, health, and encouragement, they thrive. 

You’ll be changing their lives—and the lives of their parents and the community—for the better. With this fun group dynamic, you’ll be everyone’s favorite teacher. 

Get Started: Download Your Free Run Club Guide

The benefits of a run club will greatly impact students, teachers, and the community. Whether you’re starting from scratch or enhancing an existing program, Fitness Finders has everything you need from free planning resources to motivational awards. 

Download the FREE Run Club Guide. In just a few weeks, your students will be more active, confident, and excited to move! 

Download Your Free Guide

How Educators Make a Lasting Difference: Creating Opportunities That Inspire Students to Succeed

Inspiring Stories of Teachers, Coaches, and Students Who Change Lives

We all want to make a difference for our community and our children. That’s why we teach, lead, and coach—be that in the classroom, on the stage, or on the field.

As educators, we create opportunities for our kids to explore their creativity, challenge themselves, and discover new passions. 

We encourage them with “Yes, you can!” and “Keep going, you’re doing great!” as they learn to self-regulate, break through their glass ceilings, and gain confidence.

And it is in those moments- you make a difference. Let's emphasize that point:  

You DO make a difference!

Creating Opportunities is Making a Difference

When you open new doors for students, you help them find confidence, curiosity, and courage.

“The average child in our nation spends about 6.64 hours at school, every day for 180 days a year.” 

That means children spend nearly half of each calendar year with educators. This time gives teachers and coaches countless opportunities to create meaningful moments - ones that help kids discover their strengths, interests, and goals.

For this reason, you are one of the people who have the opportunity to open new doors for our kids. 

To create new environments, help them experience new territories, and encourage growth, where they are, they can succeed and overcome challenges.

🏃‍♂️ A Real-Life Story: How Opportunity Changed Nathan Martin’s Life

Meet Nathan Martin, a local hero from Jackson, Michigan. You may not know that Nathan has some remarkable achievements.

In 2020, Nathan finished the Marathon Project in Chandler, Arizona, with a time of 2:11:05. Not only did he improve on his 2:14:34 personal best at the COVID-adjusted race, but he was also named the fastest U.S.-born African American marathoner in history. 

He later placed eighth in the New York City Marathon, proving his dedication and perseverance. But Nathan's story isn't just about records. It's about opportunity.

"The outreach of people congratulating me or saying how awesome they thought it was that I broke the record, I'm like, WOW, maybe I'm not thinking about things correctly. Maybe I need to really figure out what this record means to me," Martin told Runner's World. 

"Being able to use the record to impact kids or give somebody someone to look at and say, 'Hey, he's achieved that. I can too, was really awesome. Hopefully, I can continue to be someone who can inspire people.' Martin told Runner's World."

🏫 How a Coach’s Encouragement Changed Everything

Nathan's journey started in middle school when a teacher noticed his potential. After a required timed mile run, a coach suggested that Nathan join the cross-country team - and that single moment changed the trajectory of Nathan's life. 

Every teacher and coach has this same power. A small encouragement, a simple "You'd be great at this!" can open a lifelong passion. 

This is the kind of thing coaches do every day at school. Teachers of all stripes encourage children to pursue or try something they show some interest and aptitude for. That simple comment made a difference in the trajectory of Nathan’s life.

Blessed by the opportunities running has provided for him. Nathan now uses that same influence as a coach and substitute teacher in Jackson District Schools.  You might think that winning the Olympics would be his biggest goal, but his greatest desire is to help the kids he coaches at the local high school become better runners and better people. 

His compassion, leadership, and humility inspire his students to not only run faster but also believe in themselves. 

💡 The Ripple Effect: How One Educator Inspires Many

Nathan's story is a reminder of the ripple effect educators have. His influence as a teacher and mentor is shaping future leaders, runners, and dreamers in his community. 

His students - and the parents and administrators watching - see his impact daily. Even if we can't measure the full extent of his influence, we can feel it.

His knowledge and skills make him an inspiration to his team and a great resource.  His attitude, compassion, and empathy make him a leader that kids want to follow.  

Each time you encourage a child to take a chance or try something new, you can change their world - sometimes in ways you'll never fully see.

You Make a Difference Every Day

Nathan’s story reminds us of the power of connection, care, and opportunity. As an educator or coach, you give kids more than lessons - you give them belief, belonging, and confidence. 

Each time you create a new opportunity, whether it's through a reading program, a running club like Mileage Club, or a classroom goal, you're empowering kids to grow stronger and dream bigger.

So keep inspiring. Keep encouraging. Keep opening those doors. Because you are making a difference.

Who can measure the value of creating a new friend, finding a special interest, or overcoming fear by trying something that seems difficult?  The opportunity to grow is presented daily.