Dundee Middle School gears up for 24-hour relay race

Dundee Middle School will host its 13th annual Midnight Mile run Oct. 17 and 18.

Groups of students and parents participate in the 24-hour relay challenge, with each team running a one-mile leg. Runners can run at a fast or slow pace, but walking is not permitted. The race begins at 9 a.m. Oct. 17 and ends at 9 a.m. Oct. 18.

To be eligible for participation, students must begin training seven weeks before the race and submit weekly workout logs. If a workout log is missed, that student is dropped from the event. Workouts become increasingly difficult as training progresses, officials said.

"The objective is to have students become motivated to challenge themselves for no other reason (than) just to do it," said Gina Hurley, Dundee Middle School health and physical education teacher. "Through the Midnight Mile, the students have the opportunity to focus on six essential goals: commitment and integrity, achievement and self-worth, team building, overcoming physical and mental obstacles, fitness awareness, and promotion of a positive and family-oriented experience."

This year, 530 participants have registered for the Midnight Mile, a record high, officials said.

Proceeds from the event will go toward sustaining the race and the school's physical education department.

When not running, students will camp out on the Dundee Middle School football field, which will be separated into boys and girls camp areas, and a commons area with concessions and a fire pit.