Heatherwood Elementary
BY JILL WILLIAMS
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On a beautiful sunny day, dedicated runners, abundant enthusiasm, and tremendous volunteers were the ingredients that made the 12th running of the Heather Heatherwood a huge success. Many Heatherwood kids have run this event during each of their elementary years, and some have participated for each year of their life, with the help of parents.

This one-mile fun run encircling the school is modeled after the 10K Bolder Boulder. After early rain and late May snow just one week prior the run, May 24 brought balmy temperatures, just as if Heatherwood Principal Larry Orobona, ordered the sun to shine.

Photo by Jill Williams
Fourth graders take off from the starting line at the Heather Heatherwood.

Students, teachers, and supporters gathered on the front lawn under the nearly cloudless sky for a group singing of the “National Anthem,” led by music teacher Keenah Unruh as Heatherwood Cub Scouts raised the flag.

PE instructor Beth Cendali led the kids in a pre-race warm up. Melody Fairchild, three-time winner of the Bolder Boulder citizen’s race while in high school, shared how important it is to set goals and to challenge yourself by setting the bar higher each time you train.Having grown up in Boulder Canyon, Cendali would draw a line in the dirt after completing a run and try to run a little further next time. Before she knew it, she was running from canyon to canyon. Later, she joined the fifth graders as they led the first wave of students around the course.

The Heather Heatherwood rules are simple. No dogs, no Heelies, stay off the sidewalks, do your personal best, and pace yourself. Fourth and fifth graders had the option of doing multiple laps, and there was a group of incoming kindergarteners who joined the fun. For the first time, there were children sneaking in a fourth lap.

Nearly 350 elementary school aged children ran the one mile loop in celebration of healthy children, healthy families, and neighborhood support for the school. Parents, siblings, relatives, and neighbors came to share their support by running alongside, or cheering on the sidelines, spritzing passersby with the garden hose.

This year was particularly special as the kids ran in honor of Nicole Clark, as evidenced by the wave of purple shirts (Nicole’s favorite color) designed by third grade student, Olivia Montle. Nicole’s father, Keith, even joined his daughter’s former fourth grade class in the fun run.

As the runners came around the final street corner, Boulder Rural Firefighters greeted them with water from the fire hose and a high five.

Cendali and parent volunteers cheered the runners along the course, greeted finishers with a white and blue ribbon of participation and noted times. Beyond the finish line, volunteers handed out water, bagels and ice pops to hot and hungry runners.