The wind blew, snowflakes fell, and hail even pelted from the sky as runners from across the community took their mark in the 5K run and one mile fun-run known as the Rock Slide.  The ominous weather didn’t keep nearly 800 runners from getting out and supporting CPN area Douglas County Schools.

Runners, supporters and scores of volunteers started arriving at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) before 7 a.m.  Local businesses sponsoring the event brought in more than $36,000 in donated products and monetary contributions to be divided among the participating schools.  Many vendors had tables at the event featuring bagels, juice and other refreshments for runners as they headed out into the cold morning. “We are blessed to live in a community where our families and businesses work to support one another.  Having so many volunteers helping promote such community events, like the Rock Slide, helps our community grow in unity, stability and pride as well as setting an example for other communities to grow and prosper,” said Tia Lundgren, President of Buffalo Ridge Elementary Parent Teacher Alliance. 

Seven schools participated in Rock Slide including:  American Academy Charter, Buffalo Ridge Elementary, Rocky Heights Middle School, Redstone Elementary, Rock Canyon High School, Timber Trail Elementary and Wildcat Mountain Elementary.
A race designed for the kids of the community, the Rock Slide inspired a sense of pride in all ages from Kindergarteners to adults as they crossed the finish line.  Awards were given for the top three times in all grades and everyone who crossed the finish line received a ribbon.  To see a complete list of runners and their times visit the BKB Running Company website at www.bkbltd.com. (Click on race results and then scroll down to find Rock Slide Community Fun Run.)

The first runner to cross the finish line in the 5K race, in just over 17 minutes, was freshman Mac Orlandy of (RCHS).   Following in second was sophomore Clancy Ryburn (RCHS) with freshman Joe Kappes (RCHS) in third.

The first runner to cross the finish line in the one mile fun-run, in one second over seven minutes, was Buffalo Ridge third grader Will Steffee.  Fifth grader Brian Oehm, also from Buffalo Ridge, finished in second.  In third place was third grader Gabriel Tauber.

Congratulations to Timber Trail Elementary for receiving an additional $1,000 donated to their Physical Education Department for having the highest number of runners register for the race. 

Volunteers have been planning this event since March, 2004.  Many thanks are extended to Lesia Rehl, Stacie Sneider, Sandy Koerner and Suzanne Bac from Buffalo Ridge; Stacia Wilkins from Timber Trail; and Shawn Hulsizer from American Academy.

Also, thanks to platinum sponsor NIKE and the many other business sponsors of the event including: Castle Pines Orthodontics, Dr. Lisa M. Fox, DDS, PC, Hallmark Management, Erica Chouinard with Coldwell Banker, Theodore Moore Orthodontics, Country Wide Home Loans, Royal Crest Dairy, National Mortgage Company, Whole Foods Market, as well as many others. 

View pictures from the Rock Slide