Chancy J. Gatlin-Anderson
Special to Colorado Community Media
The Elizabeth High School Cardinal Club held its annual Independence Day 5k Fun Run/Walk on Independence Day. The 5k trail twisted throughout Evans Park and Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth. The EHS Cardinal Club partnered with the Elizabeth Park and Recreation District to host the event.
The parks have been greatly impacted by the torrential rains that Colorado has experienced this summer. The race trail was slightly altered from last year due to damage from the Running Creek flood in June.
“The rains have taken a toll on the park and the trails,” said Mike Barney, Elizabeth Park and Recreation District executive director. “It’s almost like a mountain trail in some places due to the rut and drainage issues.”
The 5k race is held each year to raise money for the EHS Cardinal Club Athletic Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps to provide scholarships for student athletes. This year’s event raised nearly $2,000 for the fund.
“The funds that are raised help us provide scholarships to graduating seniors, for student athletes, and for their continuing education,” said Rhonda Kilduff, Cardinal Club volunteer. “Without this annual fundraiser, we wouldn’t be able to fund the scholarships.”
This year, 63 participants and a few four-legged friends took on the course. This is a drastic increase from last year where only 35 racers took on the challenge.
After the race, participants and their friends and families were served a free breakfast made by members of the Elizabeth Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The breakfast included pancakes, sausage, eggs and more.
“Our independence is really important to us. We want to celebrate our freedoms, like our freedom to practice religion as we see it kind of thing,” said Jeff Edwards, a member of the church and breakfast organizer. “We do this because this is our community. We live here and want to support our local organizations. We also just like to reach out and get to know people.”
The winner of this year’s race was Russell Nelson, a student at Elizabeth High School. He finished the race in 20 minutes and 24 seconds, over four full minutes faster than last year’s winner (Caden Farnsworth at 24 minutes and 28 seconds).
“It feels amazing to win,” said 17-year-old Russell Nelson. “I’m just preparing for my cross-country season this fall. This is a part of my training.”
