For 45 years, the Farmers 5000 has been bringing the Wheat Ridge community together for a morning of fitness, fun, and school spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or simply looking for a way to get involved locally, this annual event has something for everyone.
The race returns to Wheat Ridge High School on Sunday, September 20, with race time beginning at 9:00 a.m. Participants can choose from a 5K run, 5K walk, fun run, or even a virtual option. The course starts and finishes in front of Wheat Ridge High School and winds through the surrounding neighborhoods, making it one of the community’s longest-running traditions. Since 1981, the event has supported educational and special programs at Wheat Ridge High School while encouraging healthy lifestyles and community involvement.
For many families, that tradition runs deep. One of the race organizers, Kim St. Martin shared how the event has become a yearly ritual in her own family, one that started back when her kids were still in elementary school. That connection isn’t a coincidence. The race includes an Elementary School Challenge, where young runners help their school compete for a monetary prize from the Wheat Ridge Optimist Club based on total participation.
“This kick-started my kids’ drive and excitement to participate in the race,” Kim said, describing how a simple school competition turned into something her family looks forward to every year.
What makes the Farmers 5000 stand apart from other races is just how local it truly is. Every sponsor is a business rooted in the Wheat Ridge, Applewood, and Golden area, making it a true homegrown event. There’s also a lesser-known detail that adds even more meaning to race day. Each participant can designate $10 of their registration fee to a specific club or team at Wheat Ridge High School, meaning every runner who crosses the finish line is also giving back to the neighborhood high school.
The race also honors longtime participant Betty Willis through Betty’s Runners, a special category recognizing runners age 70 and older. Betty completed her final Farmers 5000 at age 90 and remains an inspiration to the Wheat Ridge community.
Longtime race organizer Pam Heine summed up why this event means so much to so many people. She explained that the Farmers 5000 captures what is great about living in Wheat Ridge: a small town feel inside a big city. WRHS athletic director Jason Campbell has a name for that spirit: One City, One High School. According to Heine, the race brings that idea to life in every part of the event, from the Elementary School Challenge to middle school encouragement, high school clubs offering carnival style fun, the marching band playing at the start and finish line, the cheer team encouraging runners, the fun run for younger kids, the STEM team showing off its eco-friendly car, and the WR Singers opening the morning with the national anthem.
Registration is now open, and those who register by August 21 are guaranteed race shirt size availability. Volunteers are also welcome and play an important role in helping make race day a success.
The Farmers 5000 takes place Sunday, September 20, at Wheat Ridge High School, 9505 W. 32nd Avenue. Whether you’re running, walking, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a great opportunity to come together and be part of a true Wheat Ridge tradition.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
