RIPTON — The Ripton Ridge Run celebrates its 28th year on Sunday, Oct. 11. The Ridge Run, a fundraiser for the Friends of the Ripton School, features a 5K run, a 10.4K loop run and a non-competitive 5K fun-walk. All races start and end at the Ripton Elementary School where there will be lunch, a raffle and awards.
The Ridge Run was started in 1988 by a small but dedicated group, among them Jane Phinney, a parent who later became a Ripton teacher and principal. Recently, Phinney looked back on the impetus for that first race. “Building a new school in Ripton 28 years ago was a big step for the town. A group of parents got together and decided that a foot race would be a good way to raise money to help with the cost of desks and tables, etc.
“Over the years,” Phinney continued, “the Ripton Ridge Run has become a community event that brings the whole town together to continue to raise money for the school. It is also a way to bring people from all over New England to our beautiful town at a beautiful time of year.”
Every year, runners and walkers of all ages and abilities participate on courses that traverse Ripton’s scenic rural roads. Registration includes a great lunch, a long-sleeved T-shirt, prizes, awards and a raffle. The cost for adults, with registration postmarked by Oct. 5, is $25; postmarked after Oct. 5, $35. The cost for seniors (65 and older), with registration postmarked by Oct. 5, is $15; postmarked after Oct. 5, $25. And the cost for children (15 and under), with registration postmarked by Oct. 5, is $15; postmarked after Oct. 5, $20. Racers who opt not to get a T-shirt may subtract $5 from the appropriate fee. Lunch may be limited to the first 200 registrants.
Go to www.riptonridgerun.org to register online until Oct. 5 or to download an entry form. Or register at the school on the day of the race. All participants should check in at the school from 11 a.m.-noon; the races begin at 12:30. The Ripton Elementary School is on the Ripton-Lincoln Road, less than a mile from the Ripton Country Store.
For more information, call the Ripton Elementary School at 802-388-2208 during school hours or email [email protected].