Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation (BPSF) has officially kicked off season three of Bruins on the Run, a program based on personal fitness and mentorship for Bartlesville fifth graders.

BPSF Executive Director Blair Ellis said they had to skip the program in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but they have brought Bruins on the Run back with safety measures in place to keep the kids safe. Ellis said they have a record of 112 students in the program this year compared to 86 students in season two and 20 in season one. She said they have 58 mentors involved in the program from across the district, almost all of which are teachers who are volunteering their time after school to run with their kiddos.

Two local doctors - Dr. Kyle Craig and Dr. Erin Hightower - got Bruins on the Run started on Monday by giving their time to help with sports physicals. The manager for New Balance out of Tulsa came to Bartlesville on Tuesday to size up all 112 kids for running shoes. Ellis said BPSF will cover the cost for all the shoes for the kids, all of their race registrations, and t-shirts. She said the cost for race registration and t-shirts for the mentors is also covered by the Foundation. 

Ellis said they try to get kids involved that could most benefit from a mentor opportunity that might not have the family support to do other extracurricular activities. However, Ellis said the program continues to grow so they haven't had to turn anyway away. She said they have a great mix of kids from all ages and all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Mary Martha Outreach has provided snacks for the program. Ellis said they want to ensure that all the kids are getting snacks and water when they participate in Bruins on the Run. She thanked all of the community partners that make the mentorship program possible.

Those participating in Bruins on the Run will race in the Miles for Mammograms 5K on Saturday, Sept. 25, at Unity Square. Ellis said that race will benefit the Family Healthcare Clinic. She said registration is open for this event so she encourages family, friends, BPS staff members and the community to participate in the run, too.

Ellis said Bruins on the Run will race in the Woolaroc 8K as well on Saturday, Oct. 23, which supports Run the Streets. She said Run the Streets was a partner with Bruins on the Run when they started the program.

Students and mentors will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in preparation for the races. Ellis said everyone is excited to run despite busy schedules. She said they are happy to bring Bruins on the Run back.

BPSF could definitely use your support if you wish to give. Ellis said you can support them by texting "BOTR" to 44321 or by visiting their website. She said you can always mail a check to Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation as well. BPSF is located in Bartlesville's Education Service Center at 1100 SW Jennings Avenue, 74003. You will need to note "Bruins on the Run" in the memo line for the donation to go to the program.

Photo courtesy: Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation