Schools win as classes compete in annual Jog-A-Thon fundraiser

La Cañada Unified elementary school students hit the ground running for a good cause Nov. 18, participating in the La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation’s 18th Annual Jog-A-Thon fundraiser.

During physical education class periods at La Cañada, Paradise Canyon and Palm Crest elementary schools, hundreds of student runners laced up, competing to see who among them could finish the most laps.

As of Tuesday, the effort had so far raised about $117,500 — more than 78% of the foundation’s $150,000 goal — according to Director of Administration Anush Sumian.

Sumian said the group will continue to accept donations through mid-December.

On the day of the event, participants were cheered along by school administrators and staff, as well as family members and friends who’d sponsored their individual favorites. Each campus engaged in a friendly competition to see which school would have the most laps, the most joggers and, of course, the most funds raised.

Palm Crest Elementary Principal Karen Hurley challenged her twin sister and fellow educator Katherine Hurley to a “Battle of the Twins” competition. But with preliminary numbers beginning to trickle in, Sumian said Tuesday Paradise Canyon was leading the pack for having the most registered joggers.

Final results, including participation rates adjusted to account for school size, will be forthcoming next month, Sumian said.

Funds raised through the Jog-A-Thon will help the foundation support La Cañada Unified School District programs and efforts to improve the use of technology in the classroom, while supporting student learning and reducing class sizes.

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Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com

Twitter: @SaraCardine