Racing into third

The Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted its 3rd Annual Platte River Independence Day 5K Run/Walk on July 4.

Runners and walkers appeared excited as a crowd gathered at the starting line to see them off. Kids and their guardians participated together to kick off the 4th of July weekend as young children also took part in the half-mile kids' fun run. Chamber CEO Amanda Knotwell said she had coordinated the event to take place during the annual Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department pancake breakfast. She also said she was satisfied with the number of entries.

“We coordinated this event so we can have its start and finish at the fire department and everyone can enjoy breakfast after the race with our volunteer firefighters,” Knotwell said. “This was a lot more than I expected as far as attendance went. We had thirty more participants than we did last year.”

Knotwell said there was a small delay in the race due to last-minute sign-ups for the 5K.

“We were still registering people who were last-minute last-minute walk-ups,” Knotwell said.

“We end up starting the race six minutes after the scheduled time. Overall the race was amazing and my volunteers did great work and everyone showed up on this beautiful day.”

According to Knotwell, the proceeds from the 5K will go towards the Carbon County School District No. 2 Cross Country Team which includes students from Saratoga, Encampment, and Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM).

Rex Hohnholt, cross country head coach, volunteered at the 5K. Hohnholt said he was impressed with the turnout.

“It was a great way to start the celebration and to get people to come to the Pancake Breakfast at the Saratoga Firehouse,” said Hohnholt. “I think everyone was having fun. We had close to 150 people in the race and it was fun to see our older and younger generations take part in this event and we started with a bang this holiday weekend.”