Ramona High School’s cross country team brought together students, families and community runners on Dec. 4 for a festive morning of fitness.
The team hosted its first annual Candy Cane Run, which featured a 5K run and a one-mile race for children. The run was organized by the cross country team’s coach Mike Pendergraph and his wife, Katherine. The event had 60 participants.
Katherine Pendergraph gives instructions to the 5K runners prior to the start of the First annual Candy Cane Run. (Stephanie Ogilvie)
The 5K began at 8:30 a.m., with the course going through the high school campus and surrounding trails. All 5K participants received a participation ribbon in celebration of the inaugural event.
Ramona High freshman cross country runner Pedro Pulido won the men’s division, and freshman cross country runner Keira Pendergraph won the women’s division.
At 9:30 a.m., younger runners took part in the one-mile race held entirely on campus. The race was designed to resemble the popular Quad Crown races previously held at local elementary schools prior to COVID-19.
Elementary school running clubs from the area were invited to participate. The one-mile event had around 20 participants.
Medals were awarded to the top four finishers in each race. Hot chocolate and cookies were available for purchase as part of a fundraiser supporting the cross country team.
Ramona High School Assistant Principal Brittany Workman and her daughter, Charlotte, participate in the First annual Candy Cane Run 5K event on Dec. 4. (Stephanie Ogilvie)
“It was a wonderful event that the whole family could enjoy,” said Brittany Workman, Ramona High’s assistant principal. “A great way to stay healthy and support RHS cross country. I can not wait for next year.”
Katherine Pendergraph said they are looking forward to hosting future community mile runs.
Organizers had big thanks for Summer Paredes, the high school’s ASB financial adviser, who helped coordinate the necessary paperwork with the district to make the event possible.