Prairie Dog Dashers

Prairie Dog Dashers Running Club encourages students to get moving in small, accessible ways. The program promotes a healthy heart, lungs, and muscles while supporting confidence, attention, and mental well-being.

When we run

Running Club meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

• Fall 2026

  August 31–October 30, 2026

• Spring 2027

  March 22–May 21, 2027

Every lap counts

Participating students receive a lanyard and running card that stay at school. The card tracks completed laps. Each completed card earns a running shoe charm for the lanyard and the next card in the sequence.

Five cards of 21 laps each add up to 105 laps, the program’s 26.2-mile marathon milestone. Missing cards will be replaced, and laps will be honored if the original card is found. The school-field running map marks a lap as approximately one-quarter mile.

Open the Dashers running map

Marathon rewards

• First marathon

  Prairie Dog Dashers T-shirt

• Second marathon

  Prairie Dog Dashers water bottle

• Third marathon

  Prairie Dog Dashers cinch bag

• Every marathon

  A student picture on the school’s Prairie Dog Dashers bulletin board and a shout-out over the school intercom.

Ready to run

All levels of runners are encouraged to participate; full participation is not mandatory. Wear athletic shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. School guidelines apply during inclement weather.

Volunteers are needed for every session. Complete Ankeny Community School District’s volunteer steps, then use the program’s BetterImpact signup.

Volunteer for Dashers

Review district volunteer steps
Ask PTO a question

Volunteers can run alongside students to encourage them and give them an extra boost of energy and support.