Drea Derricott was cheering her first-grader Sydney during Butler Elementary’s Bobcat Fun Run as she raced from Arches’ tunnel crawl Zion’s zig zag.

“Sydney likes to run, so it’s nice to see her participate, but with all the fun, different activities, it keeps all the kids excited,” Derricott said. 

The fun run circled the school playground with uniquely Utah-themed stations — from the Bonneville balance beam and Salt Lake’s slackline to RSL’s penalty kick, Bees’ homerun hustle, Utah Jazz jostle, Red Rock gymnastics, a slalom ski race, a rodeo — and more.

Principal Tracy Stacy said the variety kept students motivated.

“The kids like the obstacles; it makes it more engaging and they keep moving,” she said.

It was all part of the no-fuss fundraiser, which met its $18,000 goal, to support everything from Red Ribbon Week to teacher grants to installing gaga ball pits on the playground. Every student also received a school T-shirt.

Donations came from family, friends and neighbors.

“There was a challenge to see which grade could bring in the most money and third grade won and will get a doughnut party,” school PTA President Millie Minton said.

She praised the “super creative” Utah theme. Last year’s run was inspired by the 2034 Salt Lake City Olympics, and this year’s version tied back to that idea, with uniquely Utah events and complete with a homemade Olympic banner featuring hula hoop rings.

About 50 volunteers helped students complete the course and then, they celebrated the finish with Popsicles.

“My favorite part is where a lot of parents come or volunteer at one of the stations, just having community involvement,” Minton said. “Butler Elementary is a fabulous community of people who want to come and help and it’s fun to see everybody there to support the students.”