FAQ

What is the Graduation Gallop?

 

The Graduation Gallop is a 5K family fun run taking place at 9 a.m. on April 26, 2020. The race starts and finishes at Sagewood Middle School. Participants get to enjoy the beautiful trails surrounding the high school. 

 

Who can participate in the Graduation Gallop?

 

Anyone! The Graduation Gallop 5K is a family fun run, meaning participants can race, run, or walk. Walkers may push strollers on the course, but no bikes will be permitted. Also, please keep your pups at home. There is also a children’s 1K — Cub Crawl — which is limited to children 9 and under. You can cheer for your child on the sidelines, but parents will not be allowed on the 1K course.

 

Who is organizing this event?

 

The Graduation Gallop is a collaborative effort between the schools in the Ponderosa High School feeder network. A teacher at Mountain View Elementary School came up with the race idea and, quickly, the entire feeder system jumped onboard.

 

How is the registration money being used? 

 

Registration fees are used to cover the costs associated with hosting a race  — permits, vendors, facilities, T-shirts, and more. We are also allocating money for the “Graduation Gallop Scholarship Fund.”  Additionally, if you choose, you may donate money directly to the school of your choice when you register!  

 

Wait, there’s a scholarship???

 

Yep! The scholarship application will be open to seniors at Ponderosa in mid-late March. A committee of volunteers will review the applications and select four scholarship recipients, an alumni from each of the Ponderosa feeder elementary schools — Mountain View, Legacy Point,  Franktown, and Sagewood.

 

This sounds awesome! How do I get involved? 

 

Sign up and invite all of your family and friends! In addition to the race itself, we’ll have food trucks, fire trucks, music, and more awaiting you at the finish line. Follow the registration link here. Also we need volunteers before, during, and after the event. Does your high schooler /middle schooler need some community service hours? Follow the link on the home page to register volunteers.

 

OK, I’m in. Now what’s the nitty gritty?

 

Registration closes on April 24, so make sure to get everyone signed up before then. You’ll be able to pick up your race T-shirt and bib at RNK Running & Walking (next to the King Soopers on Stroh) at one of the following times: Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

 

Plan to be at the starting line no later than 8:55 on Sunday, April 26 for the National Anthem and kick off. 

 

Is this a timed event? 

 

Our course marshals will have stopwatches, but if your 5K time is important to you, bring your own watch. 

 

What should I bring on race day?

 

Some money for the delicious food trucks waiting for you at the finish line! Other than that, nothing more than you’re willing to carry. We will not have gear check on the course.

 

Where should I park? 

 

You will be able to park in the Sagewood lot, but space is limited and parking will operate on a first-come-first-serve basis. We highly recommend you carpool with some friends. Our permit does not allow parking at the Bayou Gulch Dog Park.

 

Where can I direct any more questions? 

Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/graduationgallop5K or email us at graduationgallop@dcsdk12.org.12.org