Running for the rocks

Hand painted rocks went to top finishers. (Photo by Maggie Donnelly)

By Soren Wuerth

TNews Editor

Girdwood held its annual school district-wide cross-country running last Wednesday. 

Fifteen athletes representing Girdwood K-8 School raced the three kilometer loop amid hundreds of others competing in six categories.

Local volunteers help ready the course and stay to take down markers, flags and signs. 

"The last few years Bob Mucha has been a critical volunteer in setting up the course and breaking it down. Also, numerous parents volunteer to help the race run smoothly," said Girdwood cross-country running coach Maggie Donnelly. 

For the past five years, Donnelly and coach Dawn Murphy have awarded the top five finishers with hand-painted rocks. Yes, rocks. 

"A big shout out to Deb Essex for her support," Donnelly said. "Thanks to her also for gifting each athlete with a pair of socks!"

Click here for results:

https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/286338/info

Photos from the event are here:

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/way-to-go-grizzlies-photo-story

Runners tackle the first climb on the 3K course. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

Sixth-grader Josette Stiassny sets the pace in the girls varsity division. She finished ninth. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

7th-grader Carver Seiling flies to the finish, crossing the tape in 22nd place in the boy’s varsity race. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

8th-grader Ruby Gelinas crosses the line in 11th in the girls open category. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

7th-grader Solstice Martyn finishes 6th in girls open. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

Varsity boys runners take off with “rabbits” on bikes leading the way. Local volunteer Eric Steinfort, left, take his 6th lap. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

7th-grader Riggs McGorry speeds to a 2nd in boy’s junior varsity. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

6th-grader River Seiling cruises to fourth place in the girls open category. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

7th-grader Audrey Blenkush crushes the field from the start, finishing 4th in girls varsity. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)