Whitu, who teaches at Te Kura Toitu O Te Whaiti Nui a Toi in Minginui, noticed some of her pupils weren't interested in the physical activity side of health.
"I thought maybe if I become part of their programme I could be a role model for them," Whitu said.
"I told them, 'we can walk together, and when we're ready to run, we can run'."
The Murupara resident said the pupils, aged 9 and 10, were jogging by weeks two and three.
"I didn't tell them but they were being role models for me as well," she said.
"It's going to be really awesome to share this story with them and maybe that will be the start for my students to enter into things like this."
Whitu said she had not run long distances since she was in her 20s but walked and was active.
In training for the 10km run she slowly transitioned from walking to jogging. She also plans to use the gym membership she won at Profiles Gym in Rotorua.
Whitu also hoped the fun run would be the start of a habit of entering similar events locally or even entering the New York Marathon one day, which relatives of hers had run.
"I thought if I can do this, that might be a long-term thing."
Cigna spokeswoman Suz de Geus said the company was happy to help Whitu improve her wellbeing and health.
The Cigna Round the Bays event will take place on February 18 and has roughly 14,000 participants. There are three distances available.
As part of her prize, Whitu was given return flights and accommodation for two, free entry into Round the Bays, a Rebel Sport voucher and a six-month gym membership and two personal training sessions.
The prize:
Return flights for two from Rotorua to Wellington
Accommodation for two in Wellington
Free entry into Round the Bays
A six-month gym membership
Two personal training sessions
A $200 Rebel Sport voucher
