At the RISD Spirit Run this Saturday, runners will be competing to be first to the finish line, but the four Richardson high schools will also be competing – to take home the “Most Spirited High School” trophy. The idea is that cheer squads, drum lines and all manner of spirit groups and student organizations will show up to support the cause. After the votes are counted, the high school demonstrating the most spirit will take home bragging rights and the traveling trophy for the next year.
The Spirit Run benefits RISD students, teachers and schools, including innovative programs like RISD’s College Fair, Enterprise City, Destination Imagination, Robotics Program, Advanced Placement and AVID. Funds will also go to LH’s College and Career Center, where students receive expert guidance on applying to and paying for college.
Whether you’re a competitive or casual runner, you can register to run online here. You can also register at Dallas area Run On! stores, like the one at Mockingbird and Central. Entry fees are $30 in advance or $35 on race day, but students pay just $10. The race begins at 8:30 am at Galatyn Park, near George Bush and Central in Richardson.
The Spirit Run is a new event, and the biggest challenge has been recruiting enough volunteers. If you’d like to help, you can sign up online here or email LH mom Donna Kent here. You’ll be helping with registration, monitoring a course, and/or refreshing water and food stations, and – best of all (if you’re like me) – you won’t have to do any actual running. Student helpers are especially needed, and they’ll receive documentation of volunteer service hours for their effort.
