Buffalo Ridge Elementary Rock Slide – a beautiful day to run
By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Jennie Cartwright and Katie Abner
The first Saturday of October was a beautiful day with sunny blue skies and warm temperatures … much nicer than on this same Saturday in recent years! Students, parents, teachers and more gathered for the annual Buffalo Ridge Rock Slide fun run in the Castle Pines community. After the race, participants enjoyed a pancake breakfast and the opening of the school’s annual Fall Book Fair.
New this year, the Rock Canyon High School poms team and student council members came to help cheer on the runners. There was also a DJ (local resident and high school student, Tim Toole), as well as the Rock Canyon Jaguar and Buffy the Buffalo school mascots for added spirit. Even Clifford the Big Red Dog took a break from the book fair to join the fun!
In the weeks leading up to the big race, students trained before school with the help and encouragement of P.E. teacher, Ronda Gutierrez. “These trainings and the race itself were great ways for families to share their enjoyment of fitness together,” said Katie Abner, Rock Slide chairperson.
In the end, it was a BRE alum, Rocky Heights seventh grader, Caleb J., who took overall first place. First place among all current BRE students was third grader Jackson W. (pictured at right center photo). Fourth grader Chase C. finished a close second. “I loved the race but the hills were hard!” shared Chase.
Huge thanks go out to the sponsors who made the event possible and to all of the parents who helped with all aspects of training and the race itself. Students, you did a great job too!
