Owen Pollard leads his fifth-grade class in the tug-of-war.

Photo Credit: Anthony Buzzeo

Jacob Herz and a classmate stretch before competing in the tug-of-war.

Photo Credit: Anthony Buzzeo

The students listen to gym teacher Mr. Tiscia shout out the rules of the tug-of-war.

Photo Credit: Anthony Buzzeo

Principal Mark Woodward got in on the action, trying to help the students beat the teachers.

Photo Credit: Anthony Buzzeo

The teachers beat the students in this year's tug-of-war.

Photo Credit: Anthony Buzzeo

STAMFORD, Conn. – Parents and teachers at Stamford’s Toquam Magnet Elementary School held their Second Annual Jog-A-Thon on Wednesday afternoon. The event tries to help the students understand the importance of health and wellness.

The full day of activities featured speakers, including Dr. Madhu Mathur, who taught the kids about the dangers of obesity and benefits of a healthy diet, according to Maria Jaramillo, co-President of Toquam’s Parent-Teacher-Organization. Students then went outdoors and jogged, hula-hooped and did other activities.

“It’s a big family and fun wellness day,” Jaramillo said.

The day culminateed with the entire school coming out onto the field and donning the school colors, red and white, to watch the fifth-graders challenge the teachers to a tug-of-war. While only in its second year, the tug-of-war has become a student favorite, Jaramillo said, adding that her daughter in the first grade is already looking forward to it.

The Jog-A-Thon is also a fundraiser for the school. Each child tries to solicit donations for jogging. Last year, over $8,000 was raised and used to buy gym and computer equipment, Jaramillo said.

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