The 50-yard dash at this year's BC Race to Educate.

More than 1,000 runners participated in this year's BC Race to Educate to benefit Saint Columbkille Partnership School. Through sponsor donations and the community’s fundraising efforts, the 8th annual race on April 28 at Boston College's Alumni Stadium raised more than $180,000 for the Brighton-based Pre-K–8 school to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education.

“The BC Race to Educate is one of the most rewarding and fun events of the year,” said Saint Columbkille Head of School William Gartside. “Our families, students, and the community all come together to support our school.”

Baldwin and race participants
Baldwin, BC’s mascot, was on hand to help get the crowd excited for the start of each race, cheer runners along the course, and welcome them to the finish line.

Here are a few 2018 BC Race to Educate statistics:

·      1,000 runners/walkers participated with another 1,000 spectating and cheering.
·      The youngest participant was 6 months old and the oldest participant was 93.
·      A record-breaking 70 sponsors supported the race.
·      52 BC athletes volunteered along the race course.
·      10 BC Pep Band musicians inspired the crowd and runners.

Starting line for the a 5K run/walk
Starting line for the 5K run/walk.

With a variety of kids’ runs, including a 50-yard dash, 1K races, and a 5K run/walk, the BC Race to Educate is a fun community event for all ages. Volunteers from the Allston-Brighton community and Boston College helped make the event a success, while sponsors also contributed to the experience with in-kind donations of water, snacks, and post-race food.

Baldwin and St. Columbkille students
A break in the action for Baldwin and Saint Columbkille students.

The BC Race to Educate is one of many University collaborations with the Brighton school. In March, Boston College's Lynch School of Education designated Saint Columbkille a laboratory school, to enhance opportunities for teacher training, educational research, and professional development at the pre-K-8 school.

The laboratory school designation—the only such arrangement between a university and an elementary school in the City of Boston—will increase collaboration in teaching and research between Saint Columbkille’s teachers and BC faculty and students. The research—jointly designed by faculty from both institutions—will target the school’s specific needs.

University Communications | May 2018