Get ready to lace up your running shoes and rock your support for local schools at the annual Schoolhouse Rocks 5k Run and Festival! This vibrant community event, expecting over 1,500 participants including parents, kids, teachers, students, and neighbors, is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of community and education. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or prefer a fun mile walk, there’s something for everyone at Schoolhouse Rocks.
This year’s Schoolhouse Rocks event promises an exhilarating 5k run and a lively 1-mile Fun Run, both culminating in a fantastic post-race festival. The festival is a highlight in itself, boasting bouncy houses, engaging games, upbeat music, and delicious food trucks – ensuring fun for all ages. Mark your calendars, the Schoolhouse Rocks Run event will proceed rain or shine, so nothing can stop the rock and roll for education!
Race Registration Essentials for Schoolhouse Rocks
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone at Schoolhouse Rocks, please note a few important registration guidelines. Participants under 11 years of age must be accompanied by a registered adult on the race course for both the 1-mile Fun Run and the 5k Race. We kindly request that you leave your beloved pets at home for the races, though they are welcome to join the festival fun for free! Pet registrations have unfortunately caused some complications with race awards in previous Schoolhouse Rocks events.
Early Bird Gets the Worm (and Lower Fees!)
Take advantage of early registration for the Schoolhouse Rocks 5k Run and 1 mile Fun Run and save!
- Early Registration Period: Wednesday, March 20 – Friday, April 5, 2024
- 1 mile Fun Run + Festival: $40 per person
- 5K Run + Festival: $45 per person
- Festival only: FREE for everyone!
Regular Registration Fees for Schoolhouse Rocks
If you miss the early bird window, regular registration is still available:
- Regular Registration Period: Saturday, April 6 – Tuesday, May 14, 2024
- 1 mile Fun Run + Festival: $50 per person
- 5K Run + Festival: $55 per person
- Festival only: Still FREE!
Please note that there are NO REFUNDS for registration fees. You can also register in person for the 1 mile Fun Run or 5K during Packet Pick-Up on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 (details below). Crucially, there is no day-of-event registration, so please plan ahead and register early for Schoolhouse Rocks!
Exclusive Early Registration Prize
Register early for either the 5K or 1 mile Fun Run before the early registration deadline on April 5th, and you’ll automatically be entered into a special drawing. The lucky winner will receive VIP treatment: delivery of your race t-shirt(s) and bib(s) directly to your home, PLUS a reserved parking spot in the coveted Hillview Parking lot on race day!
Course Highlights: 5K & 1-Mile Routes
The Schoolhouse Rocks event features an exciting out-and-back course starting at Hillview Middle School. Runners will wind through the scenic neighborhood along Olive Street and Bay Laurel Drive. The 1-mile route provides a shorter, fun loop, turning around between Oakdell and Middle Ave. For those tackling the 5K, the turnaround point is located at the end of Arbor Rd, offering a more challenging and rewarding run.
Runners at the Schoolhouse Rocks 5k event in 2023, showcasing community participation and the fun atmosphere.
Free Post-Race Festival: Fun for the Whole Family!
The fun doesn’t stop at the finish line! Join us for the FREE post-race festival, kicking off at 9:45 a.m. on race day at Hillview Middle School. The Schoolhouse Rocks Festival is open to all, even if you’re not running. Bring your family and enjoy a range of attractions including bouncy houses for the kids, a challenging climbing wall, fun outdoor games, music spun by a live DJ, and a variety of delicious food trucks to satisfy your post-race hunger.
Become a Schoolhouse Rocks Family Sponsor in 2024
Show your deep support for the Schoolhouse Rocks Run and the MPAEF by becoming a Family Sponsor. For a generous donation of $500 to MPAEF, MPCSD families can become Family Sponsors and help underwrite the costs of this vital community event. Family Sponsors receive fantastic benefits, including:
- Recognition with your Family name displayed on the official race t-shirt (if you sign up by April 17th)
- 5 complimentary race entries (a $240 value)
- Convenient delivery of your race packet (t-shirts & race bibs) directly to your home
- A $25 Fleet Feet voucher to gear up with running and workout apparel (delivered with your race packet)
Notably, $260 of the Family Sponsorship donation is tax-deductible, and you will receive a receipt for your contribution via email. CLICK HERE to make your donation and become a 2024 Schoolhouse Rocks Run Family Sponsor today!
Going Green at Schoolhouse Rocks in 2024
Schoolhouse Rocks is committed to sustainability! This year, MPAEF is partnering with Sparkl Reusables, a local eco-conscious company, to implement greener practices. Reusable cups will be provided at race water stops, collected, washed, and reused, significantly reducing waste. Additionally, festival food trucks will utilize compostable containers for food and drinks. Attendees can actively participate in these green initiatives by properly disposing of waste in the designated containers at the event. Together, we can minimize the environmental footprint of the Schoolhouse Rocks 5K, Fun Run & Festival!
Packet Pick-Up: Get Ready to Race!
Packet pick-up for the Schoolhouse Rocks Run will be held at Fleet Feet, located at 859 Santa Cruz Avenue, on Friday, May 17 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and Saturday, May 18 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. While picking up your packet, enjoy a 10% discount on your entire Fleet Feet purchase – a perfect opportunity to grab any last-minute running essentials! Please note that Schoolhouse Rocks Run t-shirt sizes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early for the best selection. Family Sponsors, your race packets (bibs, t-shirts, etc.) will be delivered directly to your home on the Friday afternoon before the event, so there’s no need to visit Fleet Feet.
Schoolhouse Rocks Day-of-Event Timeline
Plan your race day with this schedule in mind:
- 7:30 – 8:20 AM: Arrival at Hillview Middle School. Limited bib/t-shirt pick-up will be available at the packet-pick-up table on race morning.
- 8:30 AM: Pre-Race Warm-Up! Join the DJ and school mascots for an energetic warm-up session to get you pumped up for Schoolhouse Rocks.
- 8:50 AM: Race Line-Up. 5K runners, please line up behind the Start/Finish arch. Fun Run participants, line up behind the 5K runners. For 5K racers, your official time starts when your bib chip crosses the Start pad – awards are based on chip time, not gun time!
- 9:00 AM: 5K Run Start – Let the Schoolhouse Rocks Run begin!
- 9:10 AM (estimated): Fun Run Start – Time for some fun for all ages!
- 9:45 AM: Post-Race Festival Opens. Stick around and enjoy the Schoolhouse Rocks Festival with games, activities, food, and music!
- 10:00 AM: Awards Ceremony. Cheer on the top 5K finishers at the Awards Ceremony and celebrate the spirit of Schoolhouse Rocks!
5K Awards: Recognizing Rock Star Runners
For all participants who complete the 5K, Schoolhouse Rocks will be awarding medals in the following categories:
- Top Male & Top Female Overall Finishers
- 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Male & Female Finishers in Age Brackets:
- 6 and under
- 7-8
- 9-11
- 12-14
- 15-17
- 18+
Don’t miss out on the Schoolhouse Rocks 5k Run and Festival – it’s the perfect way to support our schools, enjoy a healthy and fun day with your community, and experience the energy of Schoolhouse Rocks! Register today!
