Mind Uncharted Explore. Discover. Learn.
Makena Laughery, 6, and her doll, Snowflake, go into overdrive at the finish line of the Fun Run during Saturday’s 2023 Sunrise Stampede at Silver Creek High School in Longmont. (Cliff Grassmick – Staff Photographer)
About the Sunrise Stampede
About 700 community members showed up bright and early Saturday morning to participate in the Sunrise Stampede, a 5K race supporting St. Vrain Valley School District Teacher Innovation Grants.
Raising Funds for Education
The event was put on by the St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation, a nonprofit that helps fund certain SVVSD programs. The race raised roughly $25,000 this year to be put toward grants eligible for teachers and counselors working within special education and mental health.
“This event was started by citizens 38 years ago,” Executive Director Josh Atherton said. “We have a lot of staff here from the school district, and a lot of parents. It’s very much a school community event.”
A Fun Run for All
The morning began at Longmont’s Silver Creek High School with a 1-mile Fun Run open to adults — as well as kids for the first time. Atherton said the change came from parents wanting to run with their kids and from adults seeking a shorter course option.
“We want to make this accessible to anyone,” Atherton said. “If you’re a 5-minute mile runner, you can be out here and get timed for it. Or if you just want to go on a casual walk and talk with your neighbor and support special education, you can do both.”
A Champion in the Race
Coming in with the fastest time in the 5K was 18-year-old Ben Mayer, who runs track and cross country for Mead High School. Mayer completed the course in just over 16 minutes.
