A cold morning did not deter K-5 runners from showing their BC pride at the fourth annual Spirit Run at Elm Avenue Park on Tuesday. Hamagrael Elementary claimed the Spirit Trophy for the second consecutive year, with an impressive 36% of its students participating in the districtwide fun run.

Runners of all ages bundled up and braved the cold for the Nov. 11 event, sponsored by the District Wellness Committee as a recreational activity for the elementary students on Veterans Day. The morning also included a special salute to members of the armed forces, with BC students serving as flag bearers and Charlotte Kaleta performing the national anthem.

2025 K-5 Spirit Run Top Finishers

The morning included a 1/4-mile run for K-1 students; a 1/2-mile run for grades 2-3, and a timed 1-mile race for students in grades 4-5. There was also a 1-mile run for parents and faculty members.

For the second straight year, Hamagrael earned the title of the fastest school, with four of its runners placing in the top 10.

Two students earned awards for fastest times in the Grade 4-5 race. They are:

• Boys: Henry F. 6:25.8 (new course record!)
• Girls: Anna L. 7:52.77

The top finishers from each school were:

• Slingerlands: Henry F. , 1st overall
• Eagle: Henry E. , 2nd overall
• Hamagrael: Graham P., 3rd overall
• Elsmere: Nico N., 4th overall
• Glenmont: Liam L., 5th overall

Thank you

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make this year’s Spirit Run a success. They include:

• • Organizers: BC Wellness Committee
  • Race Coordinator: Andrew Rickert 
  • Emcee: Pete Randazzo
  • Registration Table: Hilary Bernacki
  • Salute to Veterans: John Walston
  • National Anthem Singer:  Charlotte Kaleta
  • Timing: John & Kari Deer
  • Photos: Jennifer Murphy
  • Team Captains and Course Marshals: Boys Cross Country Team 
  • Awards sponsored by: BCHS XC/T&F Booster Club