More than 870 Davidson Elementary students ran a total of almost 22,000 miles throughout the school year as part of the school’s Tigers on the Prowl program.

The goal of Tigers on the Prowl, named after the school’s mascot, is to help kids become physically fit and create a love of running. The kids hit the track behind the school once a day and a teacher tracks the number of laps ran by each child. Students receive awards for completing certain distances, such as the marathon mark. Those that go the extra distance and earn a second marathon or more are rewarded with after-school parties to celebrate their accomplishment.

Davidson Elementary physical education teacher Walter Rabbcreated the program eight years ago in an effort to promote physical fitness and daily physical activity for all of the school’s students, families and staff. Rabb tracks the students’ progress during P.E. class using a large U.S. map. They begin by running to the west coast, then to teachers’ hometowns and national parks across the country.

Throughout the year, Tigers on the Prowl continues to involve students, families and the community through special events. Guest month brings in families and friends to run with students, while classes with the highest participation rates win pizza parties.

Artisan Custom Homes and Cashions, Mary Lib Richards, Julie Lopez and The McIntosh Law Firm helped sponsor the program.