Runners meet in Dixon for Bison Stampede

The Dixon school district, with the combined efforts of community volunteers and various sponsors, came through with another fun filled running event for Sanders County.

Runners from around western Montana woke up to a chilly Saturday morning to participate in the 5th annual Bison Stampede.

The events included a 10K, 5K and a fun run along with a pancake breakfast at the Dixon school, just off Montana 200.

The Bison Stampede was conceived to help the local community raise funds for needed improvements like the new playground equipment as well as building and grounds repairs. This year’s funds were earmarked for making the area parking lot more handicapped accessible.

Local sponsors included Valley Banks, Trailer Trish, Runners Edge, Special Tees donating 100.00, Blackfoot donating $500 and local resident Lisa Laber, in remembrance of Frank Labor donated $300. Patricia and Robert Bistol donated $75 and Judy Bilile donating $50. Sales from the breakfast raised $466 and sales from the T-shirts raised an additional $554.

Organizers for the stampede were: Breezy, Candy Faroni as the master of ceremonies, and M'lissa McElderry, a teacher at the Dixon school, working at the signup table.

Both teachers and students participated in the races, with Dixon principal, Christa Anderson, taking 1st place in the women’s 5K race and has been running in the event for the past five years.

Winners for the men 10K:1st place Mikey Church time 58.05, and 2nd place Quincy Taylor time 103.22.

Winners for the women 10K: 1st place Lauren Shima time 69.10, 2nd place Judith Barke time 1:05.11, 3rd place Michelle Conard time 1:11.22

Winner for 10K Boys: Raymond McDonald Jr. time 51.51

Winners for the men’s 5K: Paul Phillips time 27.14

Winners for the women 5K were: 1st place Artita Suda time 26.03 2nd place Christa Anderson time 30.14, 3rd Place Catana time 43.07

Winners for the boys 5K: 1st place Jordan Boye time 22.28 2nd place Tyler Boye time 26.15 3rd place Mika Smith time 44.01

Winners for the girls 5K: 1st Dylann Elvenid time 22.29, 2nd place Tiana Ross time 26.03, 3rd place Sherry Rossbach time 30.41

Fun run winner: Coach Rutz

A total of 45 runners were in the fun race and that included two strollers and one in the arms of mom.

Kyler Rutz, who is the Dixon track and field coach, gave his athletes a unique challenge during the Bison Stampede run. He would pay each student in the Dixon track and field program, $3 if they could beat his time. Coach Rutz was able to hang onto his money with him having the best time.

Runners that paid a registration fee received a T-shirt designed by Dixon 5th grader, Trip Elverud. Prizes and awards were handed out at the end of event.