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In the midst of an unusual year, Cairn Athletics and the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 cross country teams successfully hosted two Fall 5Ks in the month of November. Both races were one of the few to take place in the region this fall.
Like most other collegiate athletic teams, the Cairn cross country teams were unable to hold their season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although meets with other schools were canceled, that did not stop the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 teams from continuing to build on their success in recent years. With robust COVID-19 safety protocols in place, Cairn Athletics teamed up with the cross country teams to host two Fall 5Ks in local state parks.听
On Saturday, November 7, 2020, the Veteran鈥檚 Day 5K took place at Core Creek Park. The race brought an impressive showing for the year, totaling 62 runners: 50 in-person and 12 virtual, who chose to complete the 5K from anywhere in the world.听
Two weeks later, on Saturday, November 21, the Autumn 5K took place at Tyler State Park. This race also brought 62 runners: 46 in-person and 16 virtual.
The proceeds for each 5K supported Cairn Athletics. Together they brought in over $2,500.
鈥淭hese two races meant a lot to me,鈥� explained senior captain, Greg Snow. 鈥淣othing can recreate what a regular season is, but this was another amazing opportunity.鈥� Thanks to first-year cross country coaches, Chris Palladino and Allyssa Hampson, Greg developed a new love of trail running in the 2020 season. That new experience came in handy particularly during the Veteran鈥檚 Day 5K: 鈥淶ipping through the turns, dodging rocks, and leaping across footbridges . . . this is what cross country鈥檚 all about.鈥�
Cairn Athletics and the cross country teams are planning several 5Ks for 2021. Stay tuned to our channels for future updates.