St. Vrain for the Brain 5K

The St. Vrain for the Brain 5K, scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Niwot High School track, is an annual fundraising event in which all of the profits benefit the National Brain Tumor Society. This nonprofit organization helps to fund brain cancer research, thereby supporting the development of treatments and the search for a cure.

The event is organized by Niwot High School graduate MacKenzie Demmel, whose aunt, Meg Boyer, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018. "And during that time, she also raised thousands of dollars for the National Brain Tumor Society," Demmel said. "So, I kind of wanted to follow in her footsteps and raise money for a cause that she really cherished, while also putting on an event. But it was also because she was a huge runner and encouraged a lot of other people to get fit. I also wanted to do something that encouraged the community to do that as well."

To participate, sign up on eventbrite. If you sign up before Sept. 10, you will get a free T-shirt included with your donation. The T-shirt price is $10 after that date.

The 5K is sponsored by the Garden Gate Cafe in Niwot, and additional sponsorships are welcome. If you are a part of a company or organization and would like to sponsor the race, click the tickets button (on the Eventbrite page) and select sponsor. In return for your contribution, St Vrain for the Brain will recognize the sponsors on the website.

You can join either in person or virtually on Sept. 24 at 9 a.m. for a morning of fresh air, community, prizes, and more. Please arrive 15 minutes early if you are planning on participating in the race. Virtual participants can join the St. Vrain for the Brain FaceBook group. Demmel said participants should feel free to wear a costume, as the best costume will win a prize. Check out the course routes.

For any other questions, email MacKenzie Demmel at [email protected].