Bountiful's Muir Elementary students raise funds by trotting in the tulips

Bountiful • Noticeably absent from Muir Elementary's annual Tulip Trot were, in fact, the tulips.

Teachers didn't blame the deer that ate them, but rather the tulips for being so tasty.

Regardless of the blooms' absence, the days festivities were a success.

Participants ran in a family 1-mile run followed by a 5K race. After the running, students, families and neighbors were served a pancake breakfast made fresh by teachers and volunteers. Along with all the activities, a silent auction also helped raise funds for the school's field trips to places such as Hogle Zoo, Clark Planetarium and the Living Planet Aquarium.

The goal for the fundraiser was $10,000. When all the money was tallied, they exceeded their goal by $579.

The mammoth event involved more than 100 volunteers and was led by the Muir Parent Teacher Organization. Local businesses donated more than 1,000 items.

"I love the excitement, enthusiasm and participation of the whole community," said Principal Jan Rawlins.

Aubrey Vanderlinden led the Tulip Trot committee. She identified one of the greatest benefits of being on the committee as forming friendships with other parents. She also was able to spend time with the students.

"I really enjoyed passing out bracelets at the school and watching the kids be excited," she said.

Sarah Hansen, who organized the race, had two goals: have a safe and fun community event. She was also concerned about the weather, but Mother Nature sort of cooperated. The forecast called for 65 degrees and sun, but the morning of the race was overcast, windy, cool with a few rain sprinkles. Still, plenty of runners showed up to the event.

"The parents and teachers work together, and that is what makes our fundraiser so successful. We really like community events and that's why people come out and support the students. It's such a good feeling to be together," Vanderlinden said.

Student participants enjoyed different aspects of the day. Some liked the gun going off at the start of the race others liked seeing the finish line knowing they were going to achieve their goal.

Sixth grader McCaden Stevenson, 12, ran the 1-mile race. His favorite activity was hanging out with his friends.

"The running was the hardest part," McCaden said. "There was a thrill and lots of adrenaline during the race. Seriously, at one point I thought I was going to have a heart attack."

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Twitter: @sltribDavis Hiking time1.25 hours

Round trip miles3.32 miles

Elevation gain671 feet

DifficultyEasy

Trail head restroomsNo

Dogs allowedYes

Bikes allowedYes