Running with Ed (RWE), a.k.a. Park City’s most celebrated relay race, is turning 10, and I’m thrilled to be co-chairing the event this year with my good friend and fellow real estate rockstar, Amy Courage Lineen. Together, we hope to surpass the 2019 fundraising goal of $110,000!
Over the past decade, RWE has raised more than $1.7-million for Park City’s school kids, with all proceeds going to the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF). PCEF was founded in 1986, and provides support for local schools in a variety of ways, including STEM project materials, teacher grants, college prep materials for at-risk students, afterschool programs, art supplies and reading materials. With Utah consistently placing last in the nation for class size, teacher salaries and per-pupil spending, private funds are critical to ensure our kids are being educated on a level playing field with their peers in other states.
This year’s RWE is Saturday, May 18, and if you haven’t experienced it in previous years, I encourage you to register a team. The event is more costume party – emphasis on “party” – than your average race, with teams pulling out all the stops in terms of creativity and spirit to try and win one of the top three costume prizes. Because there are 10 legs comprising the 38-mile course, runners of all abilities can find a segment perfect for their speed. You can view the full course map by clicking here.
To help bolster participation, the seven PCSD schools compete for participation challenge grants of $5K, $3K and $2K, sponsored by Park City Mountain. Every school with a minimum of 50% participation will receive a $1,000 grant from PCEF, with the final results announced at the Finish Party at the Fieldhouse.
Another incentive for participation is through discounted pricing for students and runners age 18 and younger. If you’re thinking about participating, don’t delay – the deadline for registering without the late fee is April 18 at 11:59 p.m., with April 30 being the drop-dead, final registration date. You can register online by clicking here.
New this year, individual fundraising gifts will be awarded to the racers who raise the most money, and includes things like dinner for four at Firewood, a summer family membership to Silver Mountain Sports Club, a Real Salt Lake VIP package, Olympic Park Season Passes and hotels stays.
For the non-runners among us, volunteering is an option that provides a fun way to support the cause and help cheer on the teams. Volunteer sign up can be found here. The individual schools along the race course will also need volunteers, so connect with your kid’s school to see if they can use your help.
Not feeling like running OR volunteering? No problem! You can donate to a team by clicking here. If you don’t have a team of choice, I’d love for you to support my girls and our team The Average Joes. Select “Mike Grenney.”
Whether running the longest leg, or handing water to runners, participating in Running with Ed – especially with your children – is a healthy and fun experience they’ll long remember.
Few communities are as family-focused as Park City, so if you’re considering whether to Choose Park City, be sure to connect with Christine today at 435-640-4238 to learn more about the amazing place where so many parents have decided to raise their children!
