Thirteen years ago, Janenne Russell asked her Forrest M. Bird Charter School students to design a school fundraiser.

Russell, a physical education and health teacher, wanted them to incorporate lifelong fitness into their design. The students’ response was Monster Mash Dash, a Halloween fun run at the school. Fast forward to today, when the event is a “hallowed” tradition eagerly anticipated by Forrest M. Bird Charter middle school students every year.

The run itself is deceptively simple. Middle school students, usually in costume, run or walk around a quarter-mile route as many times as they can in a half hour. Their sponsors have pledged either a certain amount per lap or a flat donation. The amount of pledges collected by the students determines which prizes they can receive. They can also use the money to pay for end-of-year field trips, which include camping trips as far away as Yellowstone National Park.

What is not obvious is the student preparation. During the two months leading up to Monster Mash Dash, students are practicing a weekly one-mile run in Russell’s class. Some students take the training very seriously, especially if they are determined to win a top prize such as a mountain bike.

Harlee Pitner, who wore an inflatable dinosaur costume, loves the fun run because “kids can be outside, raise money for the school, and wear costumes.”

Merrell Cunningham, who came dressed as a vampire, said, “Running around with friends is always exciting and I’ve enjoyed it every year.”

According to Russell, the community support for Monster Mash Dash helps purchase equipment and assures that all students can participate in field trips.

Pitner had a different goal: “I just like making everyone happy to be here.”