Runners ready for inaugural Talbot Shuffle fundraiser

By: John Grupp
Thursday, August 1, 2024 | 10:34 PM

The inaugural Talbot Shuffle fundraiser hopes to hit the ground running.

The Aug. 10 event, which benefits the Hampton cross country program, is the first of its kind in the school district.

“We were talking, the boosters and the coaches, and we wanted to do something to fundraise for Hampton cross country,” girls coach Heather Dietz said. “A lot of our athletes have attended different track events that are fundraisers. We thought, ‘Why not try to get one of our own started?’ “

With the help of a quartet of booster moms — Heather Bonnar, Lindsay Hall, Lisa Belch and Lisa Wukitch — the wheels were set in motion in January. The stadium was reserved, timers were hired and sponsors were established as well as all of the little details involved in a first-year fundraiser.

“There are just a lot of unknowns in terms of this year because of it being our first,” Dietz said. “We’re hoping it’s a good night. The Hampton community tends to come out and really show support.”

The event features a 1,600-meter run and a 3,200-meter run beginning at 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at Fridley Field. Dietz said it is open to everyone, young or old, athletes, casual runners or anybody just interested in seeing how fast they can cover a mile or two miles in a fully automated timed setting.

The races will be held in age-group heats, with the youngest runners leading off. The 1,600 is first, followed by the 3,200.

There will be “drawstring bags with goodies in it,” given to each runner, provided by the race’s main sponsor, Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as food, drinks and a 50/50 raffle. A pre- and post-race stretching tent and a post-race recovery tent will be available.

The top overall male and female finishers will receive prizes.

“It’s going to be super fun,” said rising Hampton senior Abby Hall, who will run the 3,200. “We have a fun running group that is positive and enthusiastic. I think it will make it a really fun event. I think it will be a nice mix between fun and competitive.”

Dietz said she is hoping for about 100-150 runners to register. She said registration will be available the day of the race at the stadium.

“We’re not sure, and that’s the hardest part,” Dietz said of the number of entrants. “There are so many unknowns with doing a fundraiser like this. It’s pretty exciting, but we’re really just not sure.”

The fundraiser will help defray the cost of the cross country program, such as a new tent, if needed, or athlete’s booster dues or snacks for an invitational or an in-season pasta dinner. Dietz said they hope to potentially set up a scholarship fund in the coming years if the event is a big hit.

While the Hampton boys are the reigning PIAA champions, the Talbot Shuffle will be held running track events. Dietz said everyone agreed one or two miles on a track would be more appealing than 3.1 miles over a cross country course.

“We (wanted it to be) a fun, family night where you could see on the track how you would do if you were running a mile or a two-mile,” Dietz said. “Not everybody is up for running a hilly 5K.”

Talbot Shuffle

What: Fundraising 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs

When: 6 p.m. Aug. 10 (registration at 4:30 p.m.)

Where: Fridley Field

Cost: $15 per entrant

Notable: Benefits Hampton cross country, Fully Automated Timing by Wolf Creek Race Management

Tags: Hampton