This article was written by Addison Schliewe
Batman runs past you, you see the fairy godmother cross the finish line, and spookiness surrounds you as you run to complete a spooky sprint.
Every year, the Spooky Sprint takes place sometime in October, and it isn’t something to miss. The sprint is a 5k fundraiser. The sprint has gone on for about 11 years now, and is hosted by the Northview Education Foundation (NEF). The NEF offers grants and scholarships for teachers and students of Northview Public Schools. Teachers can apply for a grant from the NEF via a simple form and in most cases the grant is approved. Sprint participants are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes while running. Donuts and cider are often at the end of the sprint to enjoy.
When deciding to show up or not, according to organizers of the race and the participants, showing up is the obvious answer.
Executive Director of the NEF, Jessica Warner, knows that a major reason to participate in the sprint is because it raises money supporting teacher ideas and desires, so they can buy things for their classroom that they might not be able to afford.
“It is important because the teachers do not have a very large budget when they start their school year. So the NEF helps to supplement some of the items that they would like to get for their classroom, but they are unable to, due to funding,” Warner said.
Warner enjoys the inclusive nature of the event. There is also a 1k sprint for the younger kids and their families.
“I think that it started out just as kind of an easy fundraiser to get the entire community involved, not just people within the Northview schools. We do a 1K fun run for the little kids. People dress up in their costumes and it’s just kind of a fun little morning to get everybody together, “ Warner said.
Sophomore participant, Isaiah Beardsley, joined the sprint for two main reasons.
“Well, I originally participated because I thought it would just be a lot of fun and I was in cross country. Now I just participate because it’s a fun event and I like running and it’s great exercise,” Beardsley said.
Senior participant, William Dawson, believes the people, socialization, and snacks are top notch.
“The best part of the race was the costumes, hanging out with my friends, and then after there’s always donuts too,” Dawson said.
Beardsley appreciates the rush felt at the finish line.
“There’s a feeling of a reward at the end. Like, I made it. And you feel good about it . . . I love running. It’s so much fun,” Beardsley said.
Warner loves the connection to nature this event brings, and seeing people from school in a new light.
“It’s a fun morning. It’s early, but it’s beautiful. It’s out at Boulder Creek golf course, so you get to run through the golf course, which is always really pretty,” Warner said. “You get to see a lot of teachers and staff in different roles that you probably wouldn’t see in your day to day.”
If you enjoy hanging out and having fun with friends, Dawson recommends joining the sprint.
“It supports our school, and it’s tons of fun. I’d invite all your friends ‘cause it’s definitely worth it,” Dawson said.
Beardsley values how it’s good for conditioning when your sport is out of season and how it’s for a good cause.
“I’d say it’s a lot of fun. It’s a good experience and if you do cross country, definitely, that’s a big thing, but if you don’t do cross country, it’s nice and it’s for charity,” Beardsley said.
The Spooky Sprint happens every year in October. Tickets usually range between 30$-35$, depending on early or late registration. The Spooky Sprint has brought many great memories to many people, when participating, you can create some memories of your own.
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