In mid-October 2016, three Finger Lakes school districts — North Rose-Wolcott, Red Creek and Clyde-Savannah — got together for the first Tri-School Staff 5k. But this was not an ordinary 5k run/walk. It was marked with wacky obstacles, competitive spirit and motivation to be healthy, have fun and do some good.

The idea was born in June at a Wellness Is Now meeting, when Wellness Coordinator Jolene Caselli discussed the idea of using competitive spirit to boost participation in wellness events.

“My main objective with any wellness event is getting people to put their health first,” Caselli says. “If we don’t feel good physically, mentally and emotionally, how can we be there for others? When we take care of our health, we are being good role models for our children, teaching them that their health is important and participating in healthy activities is necessary to living life to its fullest.”

Using their competitive school spirit to attract participation, staff members of the three school districts signed up to both compete and share some laughs. A winner, however, would not be determined by who crossed the finish line first, but by which district attracted the highest percentage of participating staff.

Red Creek won with 40 entries (North Rose-Wolcott drew 23, and Clyde-Savannah had 15). Kristy Smith, school nurse and wellness coordinator at Red Creek, attributes the victory to the fact that Red Creek hosted the race.

Their prize? A homemade “Golden Sneaker Trophy” put together by Melinda Crymer, attendant at Red Creek. The golden spray-painted shoe is adorned with a small picture frame highlighting the winner. The trophy will get passed along to next year’s winner.

“The trophy is low-key but creative,” Smith says. “Just like our event.”

Clyde-Savannah art teacher Chris King designed a T-shirt featuring three school mascots. Each district received the T-shirt in their school’s color.

Indeed, the 5k had a definitively creative vibe. For starters, the race was designed to encourage a lot of laughs and camaraderie. Participants faced a series of obstacles along the way: Hula hooping, hay bale weave, crab walk, rubber chicken toss, even a 3-legged race. The last of which posed surprising and small but entertaining along the route to the finish line, which participants crossed while hopping in a potato sack.

The course itself was set up along the Red Creek cross country path — an all grass course along the perimeter of the school grounds.

Laura Rundell, Wellness Coordinator for Clyde-Savannah, acknowledges that even though the race was fun it was still challenging.

“It was one way to show our strength and camaraderie,” Rundell says. “This year we are striving to ‘Be More Eagle.’ And with this race the challenge was accepted!”

The event was also a showcase of community spirit. At Red Creek, staff member participants paid a $15 entry fee. The proceeds, about $700, were split between two charities: Red Creek Food Pantry and Fair Haven Food Pantry. Instead of monetary fees, North Rose-Wolcott and Clyde-Savannah requested canned food donations for their community food pantries.

The school community made the day a success. Twenty National Honor Society students volunteered to decorate, set up tents and staff each of the obstacles. The Parent Teacher Association donated water and granola bars.

“It was a blast and everyone was so happy they participated,” Caselli says.

Smith agrees: “Everyone enjoyed it. It was a gorgeous day.”