Dixon community runs to improve school buildings
Kent Luetzen
Colin Elverud takes off on the one-mile run proudly displaying his Dixon shirt. Minutes later, he finishes in first place.
Kent Luetzen
Participants load up on pancakes and eggs after the race.
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
Kent Luetzen
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DIXON — A community that runs together, stays together. That was the goal for the 2nd annual Bison Stampede in Dixon this past weekend.
Families and friends gathered in their running shoes to help raise money to maintain an important building in the Dixon community.
“The funds will go directly to this 100-year-old school and its grounds,” Dixon Principal Crista Anderson said. “It is important to invest and provide the best environment for our students.”
As the building and its surroundings started to deteriorate, the community decided it was time to give it a face-lift. School Secretary Breezy Coston was just one of the many people who decided to help.
“We just needed a way to raise money and this run has been a fun way to do that,” Coston said. “Last year we raised money to finish our playground and this year we are hoping to focus on the campus.”
The roughly 35 runners that stepped up to the starting line this year had the option to run a 10k, 5k, or 1-mile race. The cost of the race was $25, which included a T-shirt and a ticket for door prizes donated by Blackfoot Telecommunications and Runner’s Edge.
As runners were crossing the finish line, the street was flanked with kids, parents, and grandparents all supporting one another.
“It is so inspiring to see the community come out here and cheer each other on,” Anderson said. “I mean look at this, this is a community coming together.”
After the race, the school provided a $4 pancake breakfast for runners and spectators. Second grade teacher Janita Von Heeder was in the kitchen making sure that the runners had enough food to feed their post-run appetite.
“I like to watch them walk through the door ready to eat,” Von Heeder said. “This event is just fun because it brings outsiders to our community.”
One of these ready-to-eat runners was 12-year-old Colin Elverud, who took first place in the Men’s 10k with a time of 43.31. Elverud was happy to be running because the weather was perfect and he got to enjoy the day running with his friends.
“It is nice because if needed help and motivation, my friends were there to back me up,” Elverud said. As he piled his plate up with pancakes, eggs and sausage he mentioned that that hardest part of the race was the hills. “My legs were getting tired, but I just wanted to finish and win,” he said.
Since the Bison Stampede has become a help in raising money, Coston is hoping for more runners to participate next year.
“Next year we want 100 runners,” Coston said. “The more people we can bring to this run, the more money we can raise and the more fun it is. It is a huge support to our community.”
Results:
5k Male (14 and under) - Henry Ranney 26.08, Chris Lindquist 29.44, George Ranney 35.08, Stephen Ioli 38.39, Cody Posio 41.28, Mathew Hale 41.35, and Durcan Chisholm 46.29.
5k Male (15-39) - Ryan Hardy 25.36
5k Male (40 plus) - Thomas Chishom 30.26, Bob Bristol 39.12, and Paul Soukup 42.18.
10k Male (14 and under) - Colin Elverud 43.31
10k Male (15-39) - Mikey Church 45.36
10k Male (40 plus) - Erik Digby 43.37 and Richard Everett 49.49.
5k Female (14 and under) - Karolyna Buck 26.10, Siarra Mattson 30.22, Carla Hahn 35.07, Dylann Elverud 41.47, Kristy Smith 41.47, and Reese Swenson 42.00.
5k Female (40 plus) - Brandy Chisholm 32.52, Crista Anderson 36.54, Judy Bilile 39.04, Kim McMillie 42.18, Toni Clary 47.13, and Patty Halrn 54.57.
10k Female (15-39) - Nicole Jarvis 50.23, Hayley Allen-Blakney 1:9.43, and Jen Kreiner 1:9.44.
10k Female (40 plus) - Patricia Bristol 1:00, Janene Marie Love 1:19.17
