On February 10th, Athens Academy hosted the 39th annual Spartan 5K on campus. What started as a cold windy morning ended up being wonderful weather for runners in shorts and shirts. Filled with DJ-run music, catered food and drinks, and even a guest appearance of Mr. Thorsen in an extravagant disco costume, the Spartan 5K was filled with fun.
Disco costume? If you weren’t there, the race was disco-themed, and dozens of runners pulled up in outfits full of color. The race was filled with experienced runners who blazed through from the start, yet there were also people who simply wanted to support the school. Whether there as a volunteer or as a runner, spectators saw people of all ages, moms with babies in their strollers, and several high school friends who came to run.
Reese Walton, a junior at Athens Academy, decided to volunteer and said, “It was a lot of fun to cheer on the runners as they ran past but even more fun was cheering on the walkers.” The volunteers were ecstatic to see all types of runners, which creates a welcoming environment rather than being overly competitive and intense (it is a family school run after all).
Sophomore Riley Harding, a runner at the race, said, “Your running ability doesn’t really matter, nor does your age, and there’s no pressure, so it’s just a chance to run. Also, the finish is downhill which is nice. I won second in my age group, so I got a nice plate.” The course is a brisk 3 miles filled with small hills, turns, and a big downhill to end as Riley pointed out.
If you weren’t at the Spartan 5K this year, I encourage you to come out and bring friends next year! The event is a great way to start your Saturday morning and leaves you happy and accomplished.