Just days after Mississippi was named the nation's most obese state, some local students are being encouraged to move in a more healthy direction.

All 950 students enrolled at Newton County Elementary participated in the first ever Turkey Trot at the fitness trail at East Central Community College in Decatur.

Newton County teacher Rita Bearden said it's all to promote and jump start a healthy lifestyle.

"We have just encouraged the children to try to have healthy bodies and to do everything they can to just keep themselves healthy," said Bearden. "They were also enjoying just being with other people, socializing, and just enjoying knowing that they were trying to keep their bodies healthy."

Bearden also said the school plans to make the Turkey Trot an annual event.