The Mountain View High School (MVHS) Student Council, along with involved community members, are proud to announce registration is now open for the third annual Running with the Bulls.
The event was conceived in 2013, when former student council adviser Ryan Norton ran his first 5K. “I had never been a runner, but as I got older I found myself way out of shape,” he said. “I worked up to my first 5K and loved it. Though the event was great, I knew it was something our student council could put together, do an even better job, and make a fantastic community event for everyone. With our Toro mascot, Running with the Bulls was the obvious theme.”
When organizing such an event was proposed to the council, Hailey Glenn (MVHS Class of 2014) volunteered to head up the committee to organize the premier event. Their first year was a booming success. “I have run lots of these, and this is probably the best-organized I have ever been in,” said one experienced runner. For many, it was their first 5K. There were more than 300 participants that first year, and the council insisted that 100 percent of the proceeds go to charity.
All proceeds from that event went to AzBrainfood (azbrainfood.com) and the Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix (rmhcphoenix.com). AzBrainfood is a local non-profit, which discreetly provides a backpack of food to feed hungry school children on the weekends. The Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix keeps families together during trying medical times by providing temporary housing to families while their children experience medical treatment. There is now a Ronald McDonald House in Mesa, as well.
The second year saw a significant increase in numbers, as Lexi Neil (MVHS Class of 2015) chaired the committee. Proceeds, again, went to AzBrainfood, but the Ronald McDonald House funds were directed to their new Mesa campus at Cardon Children’s Medical Center. A smaller portion also went to the Mountain View Scholarship Fund.
The 5K run, which also can be jogged or walked, begins at Toro Stadium and goes through the adjacent neighborhood. The Poston Junior High Student Council and the Stapley Junior High Student Council will host a pair of aid stations along the 5K route.
This year’s run also will have a 10K route, with several additional aid stations. Portions of Lindsay, McKellips, Gilbert and Brown roads will be reduced to one lane to accommodate participants of the 5K and 10K. Maps of the two routes can be found at mvtrun.com.
Wright Orthodontics is, once again, the title sponsor for this event. Because of the generosity of the several local sponsors, all participants will receive a technical shirt, medal, gift bag, professional chip timing and photography, from Stacey Kay Photography. In addition, all participants will enjoy a great finish line experience, including refreshments from Firehouse Subs, Fiiz Drinks and Muscle Milk, massage from Massage Envy, and great music. Bounce houses and vendors/exhibitors will also be on the field.
Participation in the 5K event is $25, and participation in the 10K is only $35. The kids’ fun run (12 and under) is free. Early bird discounts and Facebook share discounts are available at the time of registration.
For complete details, including maps, registration and a list of sponsors, please visit mvtrun.com. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ryan Norton at rmnorton@mpsaz.org.