Race to benefit St. Vrain special needs students goes virtual

The annual Sunrise Stampede 10K run-walk has served as the unofficial kick-off to the new school year in St. Vrain Valley for more than three decades, and brings together hundreds of runners, volunteers, and vendors for some exercise, camaraderie, and family-friendly competition in the waning days of summer. It also has raised more than $250,000 for special needs students in the district, so when the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to cancel the 2020 edition, organizers quickly shifted to a format that allows runners and sponsors to safely support the cause at a distance.

"The one thing that stayed on the forefront of our minds is the health and well-being of our community, especially during a run, so in May we decided to pivot to a virtual race," said Michelle Phelan, community liaison for the Education Foundation of St. Vrain Valley, the event's host organization. "Because the need continues for our school community and for teachers who are still going to be instructing online or at school, we still wanted to be able to fundraise and support those teachers by providing grants."

The Stampede may be going "virtual," but the runners will still be putting in real miles. Through Aug. 5, participants can sign up for the 10K or 2-mile distance, and then complete a course of their choice running or walking, anytime between Aug. 6 and Aug. 8. Participants will then enter their finishing times on the results page, either manually or using a GPS tracking app.

"You do it on your own and then enter your times on your honor," Phelan said. "Most people sign up because they want to support the cause, so we're not worried about people fudging."

The entry fee is $30 for adults ($40 with the t-shirt option), but free for the first 200 St. Vrain Valley students who register. Students also receive a free t-shirt, which can be picked up during the week of Aug. 10. Prizes have yet to be determined for the top times, but each participant that finishes will be entered into the drawing for gift cards from race sponsors and local businesses. Net proceeds will go towards the Foundation's Teacher Innovation Grants, which fund programs such as Project Game Day at Niwot Elementary and the Unified Percussion Ensemble at Mead High School.

Phelan was quick to credit the Stampede's corporate sponsors and vendors for their steadfast support of the event and, more importantly, their support of vulnerable students. Among the first on board was Racing Underground, an experienced race management company that will be providing timing services and assisted with the transition to an online event. Another early adopter was third-year partner and diamond sponsor Longmont United Hospital, which is underwriting the free student registrations. Gold and Silver sponsors for 2020 include Longmont Dairy, Sunflower Bank, Seagate, and Brown's Shoe Fit. Other sponsors, such as Scheels, are offering online specials or virtual gifts as a part of the Stampede's "digital event bag," which replaces the traditional swag bag runners receive after a race.

"Most of them knew this was coming and their question was, 'Are you doing it and how can we help'?" she said "They are friends to the foundation, and they are friends to the school district. We are really lucky here."

For more information about the Sunrise Stampede or to register, visit sunrisestampede.org. Registration closes at noon on Aug. 5 and no race day registration will be accepted.