Over 1,000 Students Participate in the Little Mountain Stomp

The sounds of running feet and cheers filled the air at Little Mountain Park in Salmon Arm on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, as hundreds of students, cheered on by family and friends, took part in the annual Little Mountain Stomp cross country run.

“It was a huge success. We had over 1,300 Kindergarten to Grade 8 students participate from 17 SD83 schools as well as Kings Christian School and Shihiya School,” reported organizer Principal Joel Menzies.

Runners are split into age categories with distances increasing as students get older. Kindergarten students run a 500-600 metre course while those in Grade 7-8 run 3.6 km. The course starts in the playfield and then goes up into Little Mountain Park trails before finishing back in the playfield.

“Even though the runners come across the finish line tired and their legs feeling like “jelly”, they all crossed the finish line with a big smile, listening to the cheers of all the spectators,” Menzies added.

The annual cross country run is a culmination of a group of smaller cross country running meets at schools through out the District.

Menzies said an event this size takes many volunteers to set up, organize, and clean up. “An event of this size would not be possible without so many people pitching in to help ensure the event runs smoothly.” For example, many principals and vice-principals help each year to prepare the running courses and set up for the run.

“A big thank you goes to all of the coaches and parent volunteers for supporting the children and encouraging everyone to do their personal best.”

.