Run Your Heart Across De Pere was created in 2020 as a way for De Pere elementary students to connect in a fun, healthy and purposeful way during virtual learning. Students trained virtually and shared their race day photos and accomplishments with each other while raising funds for Hands Across De Pere, our local non-profit assisting students and families in our community. The success of this inaugural year led the RYHADP team to continue the tradition, bringing the race and training groups back to in-person. The student participant group has now expanded to include all De Pere and West De Pere School District K-6 students and their families.

How much does the race cost?

Students - $20.00+signup fee Note: You MUST USE coupon code: studentdiscount at checkout

Running Buddies (non-WDP/DP K-6 students): $25.00+signup fee

All registrants will receive a t-shirt with their registration

Where will the race take place?

This year's race will take place at De Pere High School, 1700 Chicago Street De Pere. NEW THIS YEAR: The 5k (3.1 mile) route begins at the front of the high school and heads west towards Dickinson Elementary. The loop will take runners up Merrill Street towards De Pere Middle School, ending with a run in the De Pere High School football stadium.

Who can participate?

K-6 students enrolled in the De Pere and West De Pere School District and their "Running Buddies". Running Buddies may include older siblings, family members, etc.

NOTE: Running Buddy requirements: K-1 grade students MUST attend any training runs (see below) and race day with an adult (18 or older) running buddy 2nd grade students can attend training runs alone, but must run with either an older sibling (14+) or adult running buddy on race day 3rd - 6th grade students can attend training runs and race day solo

How do I train for this event?

Some schools will be providing after-school training runs in the weeks prior to race day. Please check with your school to see if this will be an option for your runner, and the days and times of the training, as they vary between schools.

NOTE: If your student is in K-1st grade an attend a De Pere elementary school training run, they MUST be accompanied by an adult to attend. Further, a signed waiver must be on file for participation. You will find this waiver under "After-School Training Runs" BELOW once your runner is registered for the event.

If your school will not be providing a training run, head over to the Run Your Heart Across De Pere Facebook Page and look for our training guide for at-home training. We'd also love to see your photos as you train, which can be shared on the Facebook page!

Where can I get my t-shirt & bib before race day?

Race shirts and bibs will be distributed pre-race day through your/your student's school. Please follow the Run Your Heart Across De Pere Facebook Page and check your school emails/take-home news for more info.
ALSO....Did you know our t-shirts are designed by a student each year?!? Watch the Run Your Heart Across De Pere Facebook Page for info on how your K-6 student can enter the contest.

Is this event timed?

NEW THIS YEAR: Timing chips will be used for this race via our timing provider, OnYourMarks Timing. These shoe-lace secured timing chips will be provided the day of the race and/or prior to race start. (Distribution is TBD, check back for more info.) NOTE: All timing chips WILL need to be returned at the end of the race.

Will there be medals?

Yes! Medals will be given to our 1st-3rd place finishers for each grade K-6. The awards ceremony will be held at the end of the race near the finish line area.

Will there be water stations?

Yes! We will have water stations at various points of the race route.

Where should I watch my runner?

Spectators will find great cheering locations on both Merrill Street AND NEW THIS YEAR: Spectators can cheer from inside the De Pere High School football stadium as runners cross the finish line.

I do not wish to run but would like to donate. How do I help?

Not interested in running but looking to donate? You can support through any of these options:

Click DONATE to add to our $1,000 fundraising goal Check donations (made out to De Pere School District with Hands Across De Pere/RYHADP in the memo) can be dropped off/mailed to: De Pere District Office ATTN: Melanie Brick 1700 Chicago Street De Pere, WI 54115 Venmo payments are also being accepted @De Pere School District with the memo: Hands Across De Pere RYHADP

I would like to sponsor. How do I help?

Sponsors are encouraged to email [email protected] for more options.

Thank you for your help in making this event a success!