Sunshine and smiling faces were abundant at the inaugural Sprint Into Summer fun run for Northshore elementary students. The run, which took place at the Inglemoor High track on June 8, was open to all elementary students in the Inglemoor feeder pattern.

Created by Inglemoor IB (International Baccalaureate) students Maddy Austin and Paige Almond, Sprint Into Summer is a part of their Creativity, Action, Service project, necessary for obtaining an IB diploma. The students designed all aspects of the run, from securing the track to promoting the event, recruiting volunteers and obtaining prizes. Their goal was to create a fun event that promoted health and fitness and to share their own love of running.

Many volunteers came from Inglemoor’s own cross-country and track-and-field teams. The high-school students warmed up the younger kids before their runs and ran with them, offering support and encouragement. Austin and Almond will put together event guidelines so they can pass the torch next year, hoping to make this an annual event for years to come. Community sponsors included Mr. T’s Trophies, Jamba Juice and Snapdoodle Toys.