MARATHON -- Stanley Switlik Elementary's annual Jog-A-Thon, a 25-year tradition, is set for Wednesday through Friday, Jan. 23 through 25.

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will walk or jog around a 100-meter track for 20 minutes to raise money for their classrooms and physical education program while promoting physical fitness.

The two girls and two boys from each class with the most laps will then compete in the Jog-A-Thon Run-Off Race on Feb. 15. Overall grade level winners will receive a new pair of tennis shoes from the Marathon Runners Club.

Jog-A-Thon is a school-wide activity geared toward teaching students about heart/lung endurance, breath control and pacing, and encourages student interest in running.

In the Jog-A-Thon, most students finish 16 laps or one mile in 20 minutes. The school record was set in 2012, when Aydan Child ran 37 laps as a fifth grader.

Friends, families and community businesses are invited to sponsor a student on a per-lap basis or send in a donation for a class or the PE program. Monies support classroom supplies, field trips and new equipment for the PE program and recess fields.

Those interested in making a donation to the Jog-A-Thon can contact Switlik's office manager, Leslie Frieg, at 289-2490 or send a check to Switlik Elementary Jog-A-Thon, 3400 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Fla. 33050.