Running with Ed raises $272K, crowns first-ever GOAT costume champions

Photo: IMG_6916

PARK CITY, Utah — From the lung-burning stair climb at the Utah Olympic Park ski jumps to scenic stretches past the Swaner Preserve, runners in Park City laced up Saturday morning for the 17th annual Running with Ed relay in support of the Park City Education Foundation.

The annual fundraiser produced 800 runners, 100 volunteers, $272,000 for Park City schools, and one four-foot tall traveling trophy that will outlive us all.

This year marked the debut of “The GOAT,” a four-foot traveling trophy awarded to the top costume team. This “Greatest of All Time” trophy, sponsored by TownLift, was presented as part of the Best Costume Award. The first team to ever win it is the Ring Racers, a WWE-themed squad of luchadors, Macho Mans, and kids in championship belts.

Here is how the GOAT works. The trophy will remain with the team for the full year, and winners are encouraged to customize it before passing it along to future champions.

 

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As part of the award, the winning team also picks a Park City school for a TownLift-sponsored ice cream party. The Ring Racers chose Parley’s Park, which also took home the Park City Mountain Grant for highest school participation ($5,000) and Best School Exchange. Big day for Parley’s.

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The Finding Nemo team (McPolin) came in second for the costume contest and Party Animals (Jeremy Ranch) in third.

Beyond the costumes and camaraderie, the event raised significant funding for local schools. Organizers announced that Running with Ed has raised about $272,000 so far for Park City schools and classrooms, with fundraising remaining open through May 31, with a goal to reach $300,000.

The Park City Education Foundation supports students, educators, and schools throughout the Park City School District. Funds raised through Running with Ed help support programs including Classroom Grants, computer science initiatives, afterschool STEM opportunities, robotics programs, and Latinos in Action.

Running with Ed 2027 is scheduled for May 15, 2027.