x
Breaking News
More () »

Ottawa County students take on JFK 50 mile challenge

Students and teachers from Black River Public School are doing a Kennedy March.

50 miles in 15 hours.

That's what five Black River students did on Friday as they take on the JFK 50 Mile Challenge. The group started at Pere Marquette at 6:00 a.m. and will end at Black River School in Holland Friday night.

“I actually haven't been able to comprehend what we're doing,” Black River Junior, Ian Joyner said with a laugh.

“I’ve never done anything like this.”

Students and teachers from Black River Public School are doing a Kennedy March. The march is a 50 mile challenge that became popular in the 60's when the president wanted to get the country back into physical fitness.

The challenge is 50 miles in under 20 hours. This group hopes to do it about 15 with an eager teacher leading the way. Tim Witvoet is hoping the experience will give the kids a fresh outlook.

“That perspective of your community and just the beauty around you and the fact that we can do it,” he said.

The students are enrolled in Tough American, a two week class that takes a unique approach to learning.

“Just getting your face out of a textbook and doing something,” Eli Kane, said.

“They'll never forget it and that's the thing they'll be able to talk about it down the road,” Witvoet added.

The group planned to make it to Black River between 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday night. You can follow along on their journey via Instagram: @BRToughAmerican

A post shared by Black River JFK Challenge (@brtoughamerican) on

Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WZZM 13 app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.

Before You Leave, Check This Out