GSB Cross Country Hosts Inaugural Halloween 5K Challenge

Gill St. Bernard’s Cross Country team decided to devote their Senior Day this year to give back to a community in need.

With their season winding down, upper school runners worked together to organize and launch a Halloween-themed fundraiser, inviting upper school students, families, and faculty to participate in their choice of a 5K race or 1-mile walk. Over 30 participants joined the race after school, with many opting to run the course in inventive costumes to get in the full Halloween spirit. 

Senior Michaela Kroon ’22, who served as the leader for the fundraiser, chose to support a cause close to her heart.

“As an athletic team, we wanted the fundraiser to be related to our sport. I decided on the charity "Kids Tackle Cancer" because one of my mom's favorite patients, Declan, is a huge supporter of the organization.”

As a special treat for the community, five-year old Declan joined GSB on campus to participate in the Halloween challenge and even kicked off the race with an emphatic "On Your Mark. Get Set. Ghoul."

Through the event, the team hopes to spread awareness about pediatric cancer while raising funds to support critical research and patient care programs at the Hackensack Meridian Health Children's Cancer Insititute.

“We also want to inspire other teams to conduct fundraisers to spread awareness about other communities in need,” said Michaela.

The GSB Cross Country team raised over $4,000 thanks to the efforts of Michaela and other senior team members, including Anne Wang ’22, Sydney Goldberg ’22, Jacob Goldklang ’22, Will Strong ’22, and Emma Ryan ’22. GSB donations had double the impact as Eli Manning matched each gift through Eli’s Challenge.

Learn More About The Inaugural Halloween 5K Challenge