Posted at: 10/03/2012 6:30 PM
By: Brianna Long

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National Walk to School Day

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- It was a gorgeous day outside, and kids across Rochester enjoyed the weather, and walked to school.   

Wednesday was National Walk-to-School day. This group of elementary students gathers together every morning to ride the school bus. However, their bus isn't made up of seats and wheels, and they're not riding anything. They're walking.

"The kids love to be out and moving, especially this time of year," said Parent Jane Dahlen.

It's called a walking school bus. The one made up of kids who attend Elton Hills Elementary, started five years ago.

"Elton Hills is a great job because they are year-roun, and they really teach the kids that you can walk all year round. We are Minnesotans, you just put on another layer," said JoAnne Judge-Dietz, with Olmsted County Public Health.

Organizers say there are all kinds of benefits for the kids.

Exercise for one thing. Socially, it's been huge for the kids. They love to walk with their friends," said Dahlen.

The kids seem to enjoy it so much, that they don't even realize just how far they are actually walking.

"Umm, probably 92 steps," guessed one student.

"Probably 102," said another.

"I actually have a pedometer that I take back and forth with me some days and I would say from my house to here, it's close to 2,000," said Dahlen.

Two thousand steps to help these kids live healthier lives.

"Kids that are active do better academically in school," said Judge-Deitz.

They also want to encourage others to do the same.

"I think other schools should give it a try. Give it a 6-week test run," said Dahlen.

"Every day is walk to school day, that's the goal," said Judge-Dietz.

If you are interested in starting a walking school bus, just contact Olmsted County Public Health.