The Elizabeth High School Cardinal Club Independence Day 5K is an invigorating way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. The race, which competes with other local races held on Independence Day, continues to see more people sign up every year.
Each year, racers gather at Evans Park in Elizabeth to run or walk and share a delicious (and free!) pancake breakfast together. The breakfast, hosted by the Elizabeth Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, begins at 8:30 a.m. but racers are welcome to grab a bite after the race, which starts at 9 a.m.. This year, the breakfast will also include The High Plains Singers, a car show and a kid’s parade.
Cardinal Club President Jamie Lindsay said this year there are several prizes for top runners, including gift cards from Scheels sporting goods, Patty Ann’s Cafe in Kiowa and Small Town Mini Donuts in Elizabeth. Raising Canes, Crumbl Cookie, Texas Roadhouse and Kneaders also contributed gift baskets.
“The 5k run raises funds for the Cardinal Club Athletic Scholarship that is awarded each spring to seniors furthering their education,” Lindsay said. “Applicants provide an essay with the topic of how being an EHS athlete has prepared them for the future. Points are awarded for GPA, athletic participation and involvement in extracurricular activities. Last spring we awarded five $1,000 scholarships.”
Lindsay added that the race is the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year and usually brings in about $1,500. “Last year, we had our biggest turnout of 71 racers. We are hoping to top that this year,” she said.
The route will follow the same path as last year, starting at Evans Park and winding up through Casey Jones Park. Cardinal Club partners with Elizabeth Parks & Recreation for the event; Lindsay explained that EPR maps out the course each year and Cardinal Club has appreciated all their support.
The EHS Cardinal Club, created about 30 years ago, is a parent volunteer group made up of representatives from each athletic booster club. The nonprofit organization focuses on raising funds to support scholarship opportunities for student athletes. The scholarships are funded by fundraisers throughout the year, including the 5K.
Though the race is days away, in-person registration will be available on race day, with a small price increase: $40 for adults, $25 for children or $120 for a Family 4-Pack. Check-in for the race will start at 8 a.m. at Evans Park, 34201 County Road 17.
Donations to the EHS Cardinal Club are tax-deductible and can be sent to their Venmo at @EHS-CardinalClub.
To contact the Elizabeth Cardinal Club, email elizabethhscardinalclub@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064219963801.