First In Fitness

What is FIF?

“First in Fitness” is a 6th grade only event. It was established by a former elementary physical education teacher, Ben Tench and is one of the oldest on-going physical fitness events in the country. On average, 50 elementary schools and 20 middle schools send teams of students to compete each year in a variety of fitness events including the mile run, pull-ups, shuttle run, long jump, 100-yard dash, a modified triathlon, and other track and field events.

Check out this story on WRAL. (WRAL NEWS STORY)

If you have any questions regarding the Salem Middle School first in fitness team, please contact: 

Coach Honeycutt (zhoneycutt@wcpss.net), or Coach Farlow (sfarlow@wcpss.net)

Who Participates?

Date: Friday, March 13, 2026

Rain Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026

Location: Southeast Raleigh High School

- 9:00 am - Schools arrive to the FIF site
- 9:30 am - Opening Ceremonies and Start of First In Fitness

FIF Student Attire

Please make sure that your child is dressed in proper attire for participating in physical activity.  Students will be given team shirts on the day of First in Fitness.  Proper attire includes: appropriate school t-shirts, tennis shoes, socks, shorts (weather appropriate attire) 

*** PLEASE NOTE THAT CLEATED/SPIKE (metal or plastic) SHOES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED***

Students need to wear regular rubber sole athletic shoes for their events.  Students may not wear flip flops or Croc type footwear.

Suggestions of Things to Bring

- Water bottles
- Sunglasses- Sunscreen-Hat
- Cell phone- Emergency phone numbers for your child
- Medication needed by your child (Inhalers, allergy medicine)
- Lunch/Snacks
- Blanket/Towel for child to sit on in between events

**Please do not bring anything that could be lost or stolen.  Keep valuables out of site unless otherwise needed.

First in Fitness Events (tentative schedule) *Triathlon will be mixed in throughout