It is early Friday morning at West Utica, and Jesse Salera and a group of his classmates are already at school getting some extra energy to finish the week strong.

Salera, a sixth grader, is spending every Friday with 20 of his friends as part of the West Utica Run Club.

“I want to improve myself,” he said. “I think exercise is important I because you can get health problems if you do not eat right or work out to keep yourself balanced.”

The West Utica Run Club is spearheaded by teachers Lisa Teritto and Becky Jonkman.

The Friday club meetings begin with warm up exercise and stake about a half mile walk/job around the school grounds. Participants get a special t-shirt as part of their membership.

“The goal is to get them familiar with an organized sport and to get them moving,” Teritto said.

The club is returning to West Utica after a four year hiatus following the pandemic.

A major focus for its members is preparing students to take part in the 5K Halloween Hustle, being held Oct. 26 at the St. Clair Metropark.