Holloway Elementary Launches First-Ever Walk-A-Thon: The Holloway Hustle
Holloway Elementary kicked off a brand-new school tradition on the morning of November 3, as kindergarten through third grade students bundled up and hit the playground track for the school’s inaugural walk-athon, appropriately named The Holloway Hustle.
Despite the frosty temperature, the atmosphere was nothing but energetic. Students ran, jogged and powerwalked around the track, collecting a mark on their lap cards each time they completed a loop. Laughter, cheering and the sound of cold weather crunching under sneakers filled the air as teachers and parents encouraged students from the sidelines.
The event was organized by the Holloway Association of Parents (HAP), who provided water and snacks for students after they crossed the finish line. Principal Nelle Ratliff and Parent Club President Amy Gallagher have spent weeks preparing for the event and were thrilled to see it take off.
“This was something new, and the kids absolutely loved it,” said Ratliff. “Any chance we have to get them moving, outside and excited about school. That’s a win.”
Adding to the excitement, Dave’s Running Shop partnered with Holloway to elevate the finish-line experience. Patrick Gallagher, director of corporate partnerships, allowed Holloway to use the inflatable race arch— giving students the thrill of crossing a real finish chute just like community fun runs and 5Ks.
“We wanted students to feel proud of every lap,” A. Gallagher shared. “Seeing their faces light up as they crossed that finish line made it worth every second.”
Ratliff worked closely with the HAP team to organize grade-level time slots throughout the morning, ensuring every student could participate. Parents lined the fence and cheered as classes rotated through.
What started as a simple idea quickly became a new fun-filled fitness tradition.
“We’re already talking about next year,” A. Gallagher added. “It was refreshing, active and gave kids a break from the routine. It was exactly what they needed.”
