RIPTON — The Ripton Ridge Run celebrates its 29thyear on Sunday, Oct. 9.  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. Every year, runners and walkers of all ages and abilities participate on courses that traverse Ripton’s scenic rural roads. All races start and end at the Ripton Elementary School, where there will be lunch, a raffle and awards.
There are three ways to register for the race. Go to http://www.riptonridgerun.org/ to register online until Oct. 3 or to download a mail-in entry form.  Prices go up Oct. 4. You can also 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 p.m. The Ripton Elementary School is on the Ripton-Lincoln Road, less than a mile from the Ripton Country Store.
The registration fee includes a great lunch, a long-sleeved t-shirt, prizes, awards and a raffle. Adults postmarked by Oct. 3: $25; postmarked after Oct. 3: $35. Seniors (65 plus) postmarked by Oct. 3: $15; postmarked after Oct. 3: $25. Children (15 and under) postmarked by Oct. 3: $15; postmarked after Oct. 3: $20. Racers may opt not to get a t-shirt — subtract $5 from appropriate fee. Lunch may be limited to the first 200 registrants.
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, she looked back on the impetus for that first race. “Building a new school in Ripton 29 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 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.”
For more information, call the Ripton Elementary School at 388-2208 during school hours or email [email protected].