High hopes for Friends of Moffat County Education’s running event
Elevate Education 5K, Fun Run takes place during Balloon Festival

Andy Bockelman
If you go
Elevate Education 5K and One-Mile Fun Run
7 a.m. Aug. 1
Loudy-Simpson Park, 600 S. Ranney St.
— Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. during the hot air balloon launch of the Moffat County Balloon Festival. The cost is $20 for ages 18 and older, kids run for free. Everyone receives a t-shirt, and prizes will go to the top individuals in different age brackets with a traveling trophy going to the group or business with the most racers. The signup form is available at moffatcountyeducation.org. For more information, email">href="info@moffat... info@moffatcounty...
As hot air balloons soar, runners can likewise get their heart rates on the rise when Friends of Moffat County Education hosts the Elevate Education 5K and One-Mile Fun Run Aug. 1 at Loudy-Simpson Park as part of the Moffat County Balloon Festival.
If you go
Elevate Education 5K and One-Mile Fun Run
7 a.m. Aug. 1
Loudy-Simpson Park, 600 S. Ranney St.
— Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. during the hot air balloon launch of the Moffat County Balloon Festival. The cost is $20 for ages 18 and older, kids run for free. Everyone receives a t-shirt, and prizes will go to the top individuals in different age brackets with a traveling trophy going to the group or business with the most racers. The signup form is available at moffatcountyeducation.org. For more information, email”>href=”info@moffat…
“>info@moffatcounty…
Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., with the 5K at 7 a.m. This is the second in the organization’s summer running series to benefit local educational projects, most recently offering the similar Wake the Whittler.
However, don’t expect Elevate Education to be the exact same race.
“We’ve got a few twists in minds so it’s a little bit different course,” said FMCE’s Chris Jones.
The One-Mile Fun Run will begin following the 5K, and participants are welcome to take on one or both of the events. Jones said he’s hoping for 150 people or more between the two races, with the balloon launch an extra motivation for everyone to get out bright and early.
“That’s a great venue for something like this,” he said.
Registration is $20 for those 18 and older, with kids racing for free, all racers receiving a t-shirt. Prizes will be awarded for the top male and female finishers in each of three age divisions.
The signup form is available at moffatcountyeducation.org.
A traveling trophy will go to the organization or business that provides the greatest number of runners. Jones said the Moffat County High School wrestling team earned the honor at Wake the Whittler, and he hopes other groups will be eager to take on the competition.
For more information on the activities of the 5K, email info@moffatcountyeducation.org.
As part of the morning activities, the FMCE-funded bookmobile will be available after the race to provide reading materials for children. Also, Love INC of the Yampa Valley will be in attendance to collect donations of school supplies for the Aug. 15 Back-to-School Fair.
Donations of the following are welcome:
New backpacks
Crayons (24-pack)
Colored pencils (12-pack)
Washable markers (12-pack)
Pencils
Loose-leaf notebook paper
Three-ring binders (1-inch)
Spiral notebooks
Tissues
Scissors
Pencil sharpeners
Rulers
Glue
Erasers
Watercolor paints
Pens (blue, red or black)
Typing paper
Sticky notes
Two-pocket folders
Clorox wipes
Small calculators
Gently used, clean children’s clothing