Niwot Trot runs into its 15th year Oct. 1

The Niwot Elementary Parent Teacher Advisory Council (PTAC) is hosting the annual Niwot Trot for the 15th year to raise money for Niwot Elementary School. The Trot will start on Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. in Whistle Stop Park, and will likely end around 12 noon. Registration is $25 and includes a T-shirt, with race day registration at $30. All proceeds go towards the PTAC to help improve the school. Register at https://www.niwotptac.com/niwottrot.html.

The PTAC is a non-profit organization composed of volunteers, including parents and educators who want to help support education and the learning environment at the school, improve the school's technology, and support the children attending the elementary school. The organization is also responsible for other annual events, such as Movie Night, Dining for Dollar$, the Talent Show, and The Cougar Carnival.

The PTAC does not have a specific goal for its signature fundraiser race but organizers are grateful for any donations. Last year, the race raised about $11,000 to support the elementary school.

"The 15th annual Niwot Trot is a fun family event where participants can run or walk the 5K (3.1 miles)," one of the many organizers of the race, Colleen Bolls, said. "Strollers and leashed dogs are permitted."

The route of the race is a full five kilometers, beginning at Whistle Stop Park, then heading north on Murray Street, east along Neva Road, then following a zigzag course north on Dry Creek Road which curves to the east, then south down North 83rd Street, turning east on Niwot Meadow Farm Road to the cul de sac where the racers will turn around and trek back to the park retracing the route. An aid station will be set up along Dry Creek Road.

Participants of the race are welcome to run or to walk the route as they choose, but there are prizes for the winners of the race. The race is for everyone in the family, and water will be provided by volunteers at stations along the way. Friends are welcome to sign up or simply cheer on the sidelines. Before the race starts, thanks to the race's seventeen sponsors, there will be snacks for the participants. Coffee from Ozo Coffee (https://www.ozocoffee.com/) will be available before the race, along with a variety of fresh fruit donated by the Niwot Market (https://niwotmarket.com/).

The kids who finish the full race will receive awards, with a particularly special one for the fastest boy and girl in every grade. The race will also count towards the 100 Mile Club, (https://100mileclub.com/welcome/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvL-oBhCxARIsAHkOiu0tZqz8tQFnGXzj_NyyNCtCB9JzL5ziQYXe5mkEr-0zNZ9I_ifKeCgaAhcDEALw_wcB) a challenge available through schools in the U.S. that encourages students to engage in healthy, active habits and walk 100 miles over the school year.

After the race, there will also be raffle rewards and snacks. Coffee and ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery (https://www.coldstonecreamery.com/stores/20394) will be available to participants at the end of the race.