Dallas ISD students and staff finish strong at 2017 Oncor Mayor's Race

At this year's Dallas Oncor Mayor's Race on Saturday, Dec. 2, more Dallas ISD feet hit the street than ever in the event's 14-year run.

More than 10,000 students from 165 district schools participated. In the past two years, participation in the event has increased by more than 110 percent. All Dallas ISD students and teachers can participate for free when they register through their schools, and complimentary transportation is made possible by many generous community sponsors.

The Mayor's Race was launched in 2003 by then-mayor Laura Miller. The event is one of the many ways the BMW Dallas Marathon – which was conducted the day after the Mayor's Race – encourages children to become physically active. The event is a positive partnership between Dallas ISD's Urban School Wellness and the BMW Dallas Marathon.

The event is very much student-focused. To kick off the festivities, Skyline High School senior Timothy Johnson sang the National Anthem. The colors were presented by JRTOC students from L.G. Pinkston High School. Cheerleaders from W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy welcomed runners at the finish line, where 20 district principals handed out finisher medals. Participating in the run were 520 students who attend magnet schools at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center.

A poster contest celebrating school spirit and encouraging healthy habits led up to the run.