St. Patrick's students have logged 1,140 kilometres of running this year and in doing so have raised $500 for families whose children are undergoing cancer treatment.

Last year, St. Patrick's School decided to form a running club called the Kilometre Club (KM Club), which is part of a charitable society called Athletes in Kind.

Each week students meet for an organized run of one to three kilometres on a marked route within their schoolyard.

Under the dedicated guidance of April Migneault, a St. Patrick's parent, the St. Patrick's KM Club has grown from its initial 15 students in 2010, to its current 120 that come out and run every Wednesday after school.

"The students love to be part of a healthy, giving program and take pride in their milestones and achievements," Migneault said.

"At each milestone, 10 kilometres, half marathon, marathon and ultra marathon, students receive ribbons," Migneault explained. "As well, their peers award them with a large and supportive round of applause."

Participants are encouraged to give a small donation -a loonie or two each week -of their own earned money to help them understand charity and help raise money for families struggling financially because of childhood cancer.

Athletes in Kind funds the B.C. Childhood Cancer Parents Association at Vancouver Children's Hospital.

BCCCPA serves as the eyes and legs for AIK by distributing 100 per cent of the donations that come through AIK for the support of families in need.

AIK is a local charity formed by Lorie Muller of Pitt Meadows in April 2005.

As part of AIK, the KM Club was established to work alongside elementary schools and provide a running program for kids in Kindergarten to Grade 7.

In addition to fundraising, the KM Club encourages mentoring within the kids, the importance of volunteering, and recognition for achievements.

For more information, or if a school would like to start a KM Club, they can contact www.athletesinkind.com.