On Saturday October 11th, the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation hosted its Bruin 5K and Fun Run – a race that is quickly becoming an annual tradition. The race boasted 635 participants – up from 460 last year. Although the race was open to the public, over 250 participants were Bartlesville Public Schools (BPS) administrators, teachers, and staff, 130 were fifth graders from Bruins on the Run, and 90 were Bartlesville students of other ages. The event not only promoted health and wellness, but also fostered school spirit and community engagement. Proceeds of the event benefit the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation and Bruins on the Run, a no cost, after school running and mentoring program for fifth graders.
The 5K course started and ended at Bartlesville High School’s Freshman Academy and took runners on a journey down the Pathfinder Parkway, through neighborhoods, and by several school buildings including the Agriculture Center, Central Middle School, and Richard Kane Elementary. Participants were encouraged throughout the race by enthusiastic volunteers and fueled by several water and snack stations hosted by parent support groups from the District’s elementary schools. Due to easy access along the route, family, friends, and other fans could cheer on their favorite runners at several points, creating an electric atmosphere of encouragement and enthusiasm.
This event aligned with the “BPS Employee Wellness Challenge” – Superintendent Chuck McCauley’s challenge to staff within the District to have the most employees at a given school participating in the race; and “Beat the Supt” Recognition – highlighting the 43 students who beat their Superintendent in the 5K run;
Last year’s race was an 8K, created out of necessity as a season finale race for Bruins on the Run. The Foundation brought back the event this year but in a different location and shorter distance to better accommodate students, staff, and spectators.
Through Superintendent McCauley’s Employee Wellness Challenge, he and his wife, Jennifer, sponsor the 5K at a level that allows BPS staff to participate for the cost of a shirt; and the McCauleys challenge individual schools to get as many staff as possible to register for the race. Wilson Elementary won the challenge the past seven years. This year, Richard Kane challenged Wilson and both schools tied for first place – each having an amazing 100% participation amongst staff. “It is important for our staff and students to prioritize their health. Jennifer and I are grateful for the opportunity to support our Bruin family as they invest in their physical and mental wellness,” said Superintendent McCauley.
Bruins on the Run is an after school running and mentoring program for fifth graders funded by the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation. Students run after school with their volunteer, teacher mentors during the fall with their season culminating with the 5K Race. The program targets students who are not otherwise involved in extracurricular activities, although all students are invited to apply. The Foundation covers the cost of top of the line running shoes, race registrations, t-shirts and snacks. This year, the Bruin 5K and Fun Run raised funds to benefit all BPS Foundation programs, including Bruins on the Run.
Sponsors for the race included “Leaders of the Pack” sponsors, Chuck McCauley and his wife, Jennifer; the Truity Education Foundation; and Ascension St. John. It also included “Bruin Benefactor” sponsors Rodgers Link Financial Partners, Manhattan Construction Company and Hotworxx; the “Paw Pacesetters” included Arvest, QuikTrip, Cleats For Kids, and Truity Credit Union; and the race’s “Cub Club” sponsors were the PlayforBurk Foundation, Bartlesville Sports Commission, Jim Moore – State Farm, and Wasemiller Insurance Agency.
Beyond the official race sponsors, many community members and groups offered crucial support including the Bartlesville Police Department and BPS School Resource Officers, the City of Bartlesville, BPS nurses, elementary parent teacher organizations, student athletes like Bartlesville Cross Country and Bartlesville Cheer, and over 50 individual volunteers, including BPS staff, Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation board members, and race committee members.
“It was humbling and inspiring to see our community come together to promote health and physical fitness and support Bartlesville Public Schools. Everyone involved played a key role in making this event a success,” reflected Blair Ellis, Executive Director of the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation.
“The event was a great way to promote physical fitness, school pride, and collaboration among our students, staff and community. It was a great day to be a Bruin!” shared Superintendent Chuck McCauley. The success of the race highlights Bartlesville Public Schools’ commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and building a strong school community. The race committee is considering plans for next year.
For more information on the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation, the Bruin 5K, or Bruins on the Run, visit: bpsfoundation.org or reach out to Blair Ellis at 918-336-8600, ext 3523. Videos, photos, and results from the race can be found online.