St. Theodore Catholic School children, their families and staff did their part Friday to “Keep Non-Public Education on the Move” as they took part in the annual Marathon for Non-Public Education.

All 99 students obtained pledges and then walked around Fountain Lake, accompanied by their teachers and any family members who wished to join them. The fundraising goal for the event was $11,000.

“We even had prospective kindergartners walk with their older siblings,” said the Rev. Jim Berning, pastor at St. Theodore Catholic Church and part of the administrative team at the school.

He added there were a large number of parents and even grandparents on this year’s walk.

The Marathon for Non-Public Education has been a tradition in Minnesota since the 1970s and is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Local Knights helped provide traffic control on Friday while the group of walkers crossed streets.

School mothers Nicole Eckstrom and Julie Savelkoul baked cookies for all the walkers. Walkers had one break with bananas and juice at the Brookside Boat Landing, and another at Hanson (Monkey) Island. More moms were on hand to help hand out the snacks.

Deacon Mike Ellis, another member of the school’s administrative team, said the school has been taking part in the marathon for at least 10 years.

“We used to hold it on a Saturday, but we found a lot of kids didn’t participate then, so we moved it to Friday afternoon as part of the school day,” Ellis said.

The event is something the students are excited about.

Sixth-grader Emma Stensrud said she likes the marathon because she can talk to her friends while walking.

Third-grader Alexandra Eckstrom agreed. “I like walking with my friends,” she said.

For sixth-grader Addie Fleegel, stopping at Monkey Island is a high point of the walk. “It’s fun to get out and get exercise,” she said. “And Monkey Island is so pretty in the fall.

Sage Kermes said she enjoys walking with the kindergartners and being their “buddy.”

“It’s fun being the oldest and leading the pack,” she said.

People can still pledge to the event. Checks can be made out to St. Theodore Catholic School and dropped off at or mailed to the school or parish office. The money raised will help with general operating expenses.