FUN RUNS
Parent Guide to GSPie Fun Runs
GSPie coordinates two annual school fun runs: the Grand Gallop in the fall and the Bridges Bolt in the spring. Both events work in essentially the same way. Students collect pledges before the event, participate by running (or walking) during the run, and when the school reaches its goal, the whole school celebrates together!
In addition to students’ pledges, our fun runs rely on local business sponsorship to reach our goals. Many of these local businesses are owned by GSPie parents, Sauk Prairie alumni and neighbors and friends who want to support our schools. We always welcome new and returning sponsors!
EVENT INFORMATION
Grand Gallop
Friday, September 25
Friday, October 9
Rain Date:
Location:
Sauk Prairie High School Track
8:45-9:45AM Third Grade
Run Schedule:
9:45-10:45AM Fourth Grade
10:45-11:45AM Fifth Grade
Pledge Deadline:
Friday, October 2
Bridges Bolt
Friday, May 14
Location:
Rain Date:
Friday, May 21
Bridges Elementary
Run Schedule:
TBD
Pledge Deadline:
Friday, May 21
Grand Gallop 2026
T-Shirt + Tent Colors
When you sign up to volunteer, check your child’s tent color if you want to volunteer in their tent. Some tents have more than one class running through them. Look for the colored flags on the tents at the run to find your child’s tent. This year’s t-shirt theme is neon!
TSHIRT COLOR
TENT COLOR
RED
Neon Pink
Cichanowicz
3RD GRADE
YELLOW
Neon Yellow
Neon Orange
BLUE
Violet
Blue
GREEN
Neon Green
Lenerz
Swanson
Udulutch
Smith
Nachreiner
4TH GRADE
Schell
Coy
Backeberg
Markley
Ruhland
Trachsler
5TH GRADE
Hutchins
Luetscher
Nolden
Sauer
Sherman
Liedtke
Fun run checklist for families
Watch for your student’s pledge envelope to come home.
Ask family, friends, and neighbors for pledges - big or small, they all help!
Return cash + check donations in the pledge envelope by the deadline.
Use the online pledge site to share with relatives and supporters.
Check the schedule for your student’s run time and t-shirt/tent colors.
Sign up to volunteer if you can help on event day. We run on volunteer power!
Attend and cheer your student on - they love to see their family on the sidelines!
How pledging works
CASH + CHECK PREFERRED
Students will receive their pledge envelope before the fun run. This is the preferred way to collect donations, because more of the money goes directly to GSPie. Students can request flat donations or a per-lap pledge and return the envelope with cash and checks by the deadline.
ONLINE PLEDGE SITE OPTION
Our online pledge site is also available while fundraising is open. It can be a helpful way to share with grandparents and relatives or friends who do no live nearby. Please note that the online platform charges a small processing fee that does not go to GSPie.
What happens on fun run day?
During the school day
Students participate with their class during their scheduled run period. See schedule above.
Run or walk
Students may run, jog or walk. The focus is participation. Staff provide accommodations and support as needed.
What to wear
Official t-shirts will be provided by your students’ teacher the morning of the run. Have them wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes with weather-appropriate layers.
What to send
Please send your child with a filled water bottle the day of the run and a healthy snack and lunch.
Spectators
Join us on the sidelines near your student’s tent to cheer them on! Check your students’ tent color ahead of time and share with grandparents and other spectators planning to attend.
Where does the money go?
Funds raised through the Gallop and the Bolt are part of the money GSPie provides directly back to the schools. Over the years, those funds have helped support school-wide projects, playground equipment, field-trip transportation, technology and other improvements that benefit students and staff. Other funds allow GSPie to host family social events and provide gestures of appreciation for our teachers and staff.
Fun runs rely on parent and community volunteers. Volunteer jobs may include day-before prep, morning-of set-up, tallying shirts in tents during the run, and post-run tear-down. All are essential, no time commitment is too small, and to be honest, the energy is so infectious - it’s fun to be in the action! Check in at the volunteer tent when you arrive at the run!
Local business sponsors provide a large portion of our fundraising dollars and have a huge part in the success of our fun runs through in-kind donations as well as monetary support.
Volunteering
Business sponsors
Questions?
Have a question about pledging, volunteering, sponsorships or event day? We’re happy to help! Send us an email at gspie2@gmail.com