Summit Academy cross country teammates Lewis Madsen and Draegen Kunkel were out for a training run on the Draper Canal Trail, gearing up for a 2-mile middle school race.

But the two eighth-grade friends weren’t just on a practice run, they were taking part of the school’s Super Family Fun Run.

Draegen was concentrating to improve his best time in an upcoming meet.

“I’m trying to get better every time,” he said. 

Lewis, who also wants to improve his time, said the Summit run reminded him of a benefit from his cross country practices.

“I like running with my friends,” he said.

Waves of runners of all ages took to the trail, as Summit Academy fun run chair and Summit Parent Organization Vice President Danielle Bradshaw planned.

“It’s run your own distance,” she said. “It’s up to 5k if people want.”

Also optional was dressing up as a superhero.

“We thought it was a fun theme and it’s something that everyone knows and can enjoy. We told the kids to come dressed up so maybe we’ll have a Spiderman or Batman running around the trail,” Bradshaw said beforehand.

Near the registration and silent auction, the school’s mascot greeted families, who also came to play some large yard games and make purchases from food trucks as part of the community-wide event.

“We put up some signs throughout the city, in parks and along the trail and out by the school, inviting the community to come enjoy a nice, fun family evening together,” she said.

The event also served as the school’s annual fundraiser as the 650 charter students were encouraged to get pledges for running at the event. Students could earn incentives from free meal coupons to a popcorn and dance party for bringing in monetary donations.

The second part of the fundraiser was when community members could place bids on items ranging from a Minky Couture blanket to Hale Centre Theatre tickets at the school’s silent auction or they could make donations to fund “extra things we do for the kids.” 

Those extras traditionally have included a literacy week, where an author is invited to visit, and a STEAM night, that includes different companies to teach skills to boost students’ interest in various fields.

“This is a little different this year. We wanted something that families could participate in without actually having to buy tickets to participate. We figured anyone can participate in the run, and if they don’t want to, they can still come and play the yard games and sit on the lawn, and bring or buy a dinner,” Bradshaw said. “This is meant as a simple and more welcoming way for families to spend time together without spending a fortune on activities like a carnival. This way, everyone comes for a good time.” λ