What began as a fundraiser four years ago, the Leander Band 5K, became a competitive race between parents, students and teachers all over the district with band members trying to raise $5,000.
The 5k course was one loop, 3.1 miles and the fastest runner Taye Huynh finished in 17:41:64 while the fastest Leander High School runner, Jesus Higas, finished in 19:16.69. Also from Leander High School, Ava Tannehill, finished in 20:19.43.
There were a total of 222 participants that competed in the 5k.
The band earned $1,147 out of the goal of $5,000 in donations according to the race website.
Other than the people who ran the race there were people who took the time to volunteer and make the race more fun by playing music for the race.
“I played Beatles songs on guitar in a band,” junior Lars Sunde said. “I like running, but I thought to change it up this year as I’ve run it the past six or so years. Volunteers are the backbone of community events, and without them the 5k wouldn’t have been run nearly as smoothly.”
For some the runners it was their first long distance race.
“It was tiring and a lot of work” freshman Alexzandra Lervaag said. “I was demanding a lot of myself to run to where I couldn’t do it. My first experience was good because the people who you get to run with make it.”
The Leander Band students could volunteer, meaning they had to show up to help set up at 5 a.m., or they could run the race in the bright orange race shirts. The Kiddie K race started at 8:15 a.m. The actual 5K started at 8:30 a.m.
Freshman Jackson Guymon said, “My volunteer job was giving out the metals and why I chose that job because it was so much fun cheering people on their last stretch to the finish line.”
Band members said they enjoyed seeing the positive impact on the community.
“It is important to volunteer for the community so you can grow relationships and just find out what you like to do,” Guymon said. “I love serving and helping anyone that needs help.”
