"Some people call me Speedy because I'm really fast," the 7-year-old said of her running ability as she put another chip into an envelope. "I can run from here to Kings Island."

The second-grader likes to run - and she doesn't mind helping, either.

She was among 160 second- through fifth-graders at the Catholic elementary school who spent two hours Thursday to prepare the envelopes for the runners in the 95th Thanksgiving Day 10K Run and Walk Nov. 25.

It's the only Midwest 10K race to offer participants chip timing, a small device that attaches to the shoe and records the time a runner crosses the start and finish lines.

"This is one of the few hands-on service projects that young kids can do," said second-grade teacher Jan McManus, a friend of Julie Isphording, former Olympian and race organizer.

The students worked in teams of four to stuff envelopes for the more than 12,000 runners and walkers expected to participate in the annual race. The school has participated in the pre-race packing for three years.

"For us, it's the chance to do more community outreach; because the race is not just about a race, it's about the community, charity," Isphording said.

Race proceeds benefit the Charles M. Barrett Cancer Center at University Hospital, the Neediest Kids of All and the Anthony Munoz Foundation.

For more information or to register go to www.thanksgivingdayrace.com. Registration brochures are also available at all Provident Banks, Mercy Healthplexes and The Running Spot. Participants can also register race day.

E-mail pschaible@hotmail.com