Photo Courtesy of Eclectic Brew Productions/Park City Education Foundation.
We know our kids are the future of our community, and the schools, teachers and programs that support Park City’s youth are the lifeblood that helps nurture their growth and success. That’s why, at Chin|MacQuoid|Fleming|Harris, we’re lacing up our sneakers and gathering our teammates to join in this year’s Running with Ed celebratory event on May 22.
The annual relay-race fundraiser, hosted by the Park City Education Foundation, was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. But this year’s celebration is on in full force with an in-person race and several new opportunities including virtual or “on your own” participation and a donation component that allows anyone to support PCEF’s overall fundraising goals as well as a specific school with the Park City district.
“It was sad that we had to cancel last year, and it felt like there was an empty void,” Jennifer Billow, PCEFassociate director of communications and development, recently told the Park Record. “So, it means a lot to have it back. I feel that our schools make up the heartbeat of the community, and for me, personally, I love the joy of bringing our community together to celebrate public education.”
Some changes for this year’s Running with Ed include staggered starts at six Park City schools (instead of previous years’ giant start/finish at the Basin Recreation Fieldhouse) and a shorter, 21-mile course that is divided into six legs (down from 10 legs). For course details and an interactive course map, click here.
The route will still run in a loop around the schools and iconic areas in Park City, but new stretches of the race include a leg that runs through Park City High School’s Dozier Field and two shorter legs, perfect for casual runners. The leg between Jeremy Ranch Elementary and Ecker Hill Middle School is less than 2 miles, and another leg from McPolin Elementary to Treasure Mountain Junior High School is just 1.22 miles.
“We want everyone to participate, even people who don’t think they can run very far,” Billow added. “Also, if you’re not a runner, you can still donate to a team or through our website.”
One thing that didn’t change in 2021: the goal of raising $250,000 to fund teachers, students and programs within the Park City School District.
Teams can include one to six members, and costumes are encouraged! Teams also can choose their start/end site at registration, although capacity is limited due to COVID-19 protocols and will be assigned on a first-come/first-served basis.
Additionally, start times will be staggered, and participants will be required to wear face coverings at all exchange locations. Hand sanitizer stations will be at exchange locations as well, but please note: There will be no water stations or “packet pick-up” in order to minimize contact. Participant kits will be available at respective starting-line locations. Click here for more COVID-19 event info.
Pricing is $100 for “early bird” registration (now through April 2) and registration is available through May 14. Teachers, school district employees and students (age 18 and younger) will receive special discounted registration rates.
In the spirit of camaraderie, community and fundraising for the Running with Ed cause, event organizers have eliminated medals and t-shirts in order to direct even more funds back to the schools. Participants will still be spoiled with a swag kit full of Running with Ed accessories including sunglasses, a buff, runner’s bib, sticker and Jaybird water bottle.
Don’t feel like running? PCEF still has a way for everyone to support its fundraising goals through Running with Ed at whatever level you choose.
Want to give a boost to a specific Park City school? Be sure to designate your choice during the registration process! Running with Ed also includes a contest where schools can win a $5,000, $3,000 or $2,000 grant from Park City Mountain Resort. And while only three schools can win the top prizes, all seven Park City schools have the chance to receive a $1,000 grant from PCEF with a minimum of 50 percent participation.
To get in on the action and for complete details, visit the web at runningwithed.com.
