About our race…
Running with the Herd is a Buffalo HERD (helping educate responsibly developed (HERD) children) fundraiser for the Buffalo Scholarship Foundation.
‘The mission of the Buffalo Scholarship Foundation (BSF) is to assist hard-working students as they pursue their post-secondary education dreams. Graduates of The Villages High School (VHS) are eligible to apply for the various scholarships and endowments supported by BSF!’
Come join us on February 17, 2024 for our 5k race. The 5k race will start at 8:00 am at 251 Buffalo Trail The Villages, Fl. 32162 located on the practice field of the old high school at Buffalo Ridge and will take you through the charter school campus. At 9:00 am the 100 Meter Kids Dash will take place.
Participants in the 5k will receive a Running with the Herd 5K finishers’ medal and t-shirt. Awards will be handed out for the top finishers in each age group as well as overall.
Questions and Answers
How do I register for the Running with the Herd 5k?
Participants can register by going to the https://herd5k.wpengine.com website and clicking on the registration link. Registration will also be available the day of the race at 6:30am.
Is this a timed run?
The 5k and 1 mile race will be chip timed. We will also have people at the 1 and 2 mile mark calling out split times. The 100 Meter Kids run will not be timed.
Will there be water stops during the race?
There will be 2 water stops along the race shortly after the 1 and 2 mile marks.
When and Where can I pick up my race packet?
Race packets can be picked up at the day prior to the race from 9:00am to 3:00pm in the front of the football field/concession stand area located at the old Villages High School 251 Buffalo Trail, The Villages, Fl. 32162. Packet pickup will also be available at the race starting at 6:30am.
Can I have someone pick up my packet for me?
Yes. Make sure the person picking up your packet has your first and last name along with your registration number. They can also pick up the packets for other runners under your registration. Waivers can be downloaded and emailed back to us prior to pickup of race packets or they can be dropped off at time of packet pickup. Packets will not be handed out if we do not have a signed waiver for that participant.
I can’t make it. Can I transfer to registration to someone else or get a refund?
We are sorry that you are not able to make it to the race. Unfortunately we cannot offer refunds or transfers of registration.
Will I receive a T-Shirt and Finisher Medal?
If you register prior to February 1, 2024, you will be guaranteed a t-shirt in the size you select. We order extra t-shirts in a variety of sizes but cannot guarantee the availability of t-shirts for runners who register after February 1st. Every registered runner will receive a finisher medal.
What time should I arrive?
The race starts at 8:00am. We recommend arriving no later than 7:45 if you already have your packet, or 7:15 if you need to pick up your packet.
Where can I park?
Parking will be available in the West parking lot of The Villages Charter High School.
Can I walk with the Herd?
YES! You can run, walk, or skip the entire 3.1 mile loop. As some portions of the course are narrow, we ask that if you are going to walk you start at the back of the corral to allow runners to maintain their pace.
Can I bring my dog/pet?
No. Because of the venue, we are not permitting dogs or pets at the race.
I have young children, can I run with a stroller?
YES! For the safety of your child and other runners, strollers will start at the back of the race. Only registered runners with an official bib will receive a finisher medal. Children will not receive medals if they are not registered to run.
Will there be awards?
Yes! We will have awards for each age group as well as overall. Participants will be limited to one award (Ex: 1st place overall winner will not get 1st place for their age group).
Anything else I need to know?
Yes. The Villages Charter School campus is a drug and tobacco free zone. Participants or guest who show up intoxicated or use tobacco on campus will be asked to leave.