Special to The Dorchester Banner/Katie Ryan Maple Elementary students were shoulder-to-shoulder at the start line during the event on Nov. 25, which raises money for school causes, including support for families during the holidays.

CAMBRIDGE — It’s never too early to enjoy an active, athletic lifestyle.

Teachers and students at Maple Elementary School once again invited Cambridge-South Dorchester High School’s cross country team to assist in the Turkey Trot on Nov. 25. The fundraising event — Maple’s biggest — has become a fall tradition for the two schools, and is now in its fourth year.

Students pay $3 each to take part in the run, which benefits causes including support for families during the holidays. It is organized by Maple’s Run Club, founded by teachers Sarah Rentz and Ryan Daniels.

As excited students raced around the course guided by the high school athletes, Mr. Daniels said, “The biggest thing I like about it is that the cross country team comes out to support the kids.”

Freshman Natalie Andersen is the first former run club member to join the C-SD cross country team.

In the event, students ran by classes around a course marked at the school. C-SD athletes and their Coach Sean Reincke, along with Maple teachers helped keep the young athletes on track, and assisted those who needed a little help to complete the trot.

The fastest students overall were two fourth graders, Jharell Hernandez and Gizelle San.

Kindergartners took part as well. They were Ma’Kaye Deshields, Skyla Ali, Emmanuel Martinez, Bernardino Garcia, Jenna Lephew, Marion San Juan, Kylie Carney, Kennedy Bourne, Amier Travers, Calijah Keys, Khai’Lee Williams, Daniel Wilson, Remedy Rosado-Wongus, Chanelle San, Jason Cruz Martinez, Connor Combs, Zhion Wilson, Austin Edwards, Danial Estep, Noah Cannon, Aireonna Coleman, Adijah Johnson, Noah Snyder, Kathy Juan Johnson, Makayla Gibson, Jonathan Sabo, Breasia Blake, Malia Bryan, Jeffrey Sellman, Searra Phillips, Reid Jones, Ny’Lah White, Le’Bron Sampson, Milan Potter, Yamileth Gonzalez, Dionte Lyons, Dior Moaney, Dwayne Lake, Kamryn Bourne and Malaysia Pete.

Special to The Dorchester Banner/Katie Ryan Their season is over, but not their teamwork. C-SD cross country athletes turned out to help younger runners at Maple Elementary.