Now that summer vacation is over and school has begun again, it’s time to start planning for fall events in our community. One of these events, to be held this year on October 15, is the Rush Creek Stampede, a race which is sponsored by the Upper Country Education Foundation as a fund raiser for our local schools. This event includes a half marathon, a 5K and a 1-mile fun run for kids. 2016 will be the sixth year UCEF has hosted this healthy and fun community event, which has grown in size each year and has introduced many new people to the beauty and friendliness of the Upper Country and its 
citizens. We’re looking forward to another successful and fun-filled day this year, so please mark your calendars.
The race is held on the lovely Rush Creek loop road just outside of Cambridge, and takes racers through scenic ranch countryside 
surrounded by the brilliant autumn colors of Rush Peak and its neighboring mountains. The half-marathon is a loop course beginning on Rush Creek Road and ending back at Cambridge Elementary School. The 5K is an out-and-back, starting and finishing at the same spot on Rush Creek Road. Following their finish, participants are treated to a delicious hot-soup lunch at the school, prepared and served by local volunteers.
Runners and walkers alike are welcome in both races, and can register online at www.runsignup.com. Registration for the half-marathon is $50; for the 5K $30 and for the Kids’ Run $20. We will be publishing more race-day details as the time gets closer, but we encourage participants to sign up early to avoid late fees, which will apply after Sept. 21.
We also appreciate all the volunteers who are so important and have contributed so much to making the past races such a success. If you would like to volunteer to help with the race this year, please contact Stacey Ertel (208 550-2884), Rebecca Crosby (208 550-4259) or Barbara Ertel (208 257-3491).
