CAMPBELL — At one point, dozens of students were seen running from their school, but Lisa Young hopes at the same time, they were running toward embracing a few valuable life lessons.

“We wanted ways for the kids to be physically active, and to teach a lifelong skill,” Young, principal of Campbell Elementary / Middle School, said. “We want to build a lifetime love for exercise.”

She was referring to the driving force behind Wednesday evening’s PTO and Run Club’s 2.5-mile Spooky Sprint fun run and walk that began and ended at the school on Community Circle.

The Halloween-themed event may have offered plenty of enjoyment for runners, planners and spectators, but it took on added urgency in light of the high obesity rate in the U.S., Young said.

An estimated 112 student and adult runners wearing orange T-shirts with race numbers affixed participated in the event, which took them from the school and twice around nearby Roosevelt Park before their return, Dominique Galletta, an event coordinator, said. Also keeping things moving were about 30 volunteers who performed much of the legwork, she said.

Many of the participating students are members of the school’s Run Club, which was established last year. Before Wednesday’s race, they had practiced twice weekly after school since the start of this school year, Galletta said.

After their return, the students had an opportunity to take part in a Trunk or Treat event in the school parking lot. Ten participants consisting of Campbell school board members, teachers and administrators opened the trunks of their vehicles to pass out candy and other treats to the runners, Galletta said.

Among the race participants were Jordan Sarigianopoulos and Jovonni Echevestre, both 11-year-old fifth-graders and Run Club members.

“I’m able to gather with my friends and have a great time,” Jovonni said when asked about his favorite aspect of Halloween.

Jovonni added he enjoys being part of the club and staying after school a few days per week to stay in shape.

For his part, Jordan, who listed math as his favorite subject, plans to spend Halloween trick-or-treating with a group of friends in and near his neighborhood, he said.

Even though medals were distributed for the event, Young also said the Spooky Sprint was intended to be noncompetitive, with the emphasis on encouraging runners to strive to achieve their best results and, most importantly, being proud of themselves.

“It’s just about the kids and every time they run, having their personal best,” she said, adding, “It’s not about racing against each other, but improving themselves.”

Young said she was pleased also to see the Run Club grow from about 25 students last year to more than 60 now.

Helping to accelerate the sprint were student success and wellness funds, courtesy of Ohio House Bill 33, which, in essence, provides additional funding for K-12 public schools, Young said.

Regarding the Run Club, the money was used to transport students to races in Columbiana and elsewhere, as well as to cover registration fees and compensate advisors who spend time after school, Young said. She added that the next event will be a Color Craze run in May.