Cross Country Hosts Alumni and Principia Community at the Cowbell Classic

Elsah, IL – Principia runners from around the world came together on Saturday morning of Homecoming weekend for the Cowbell Classic Alumni 5K. It was a crisp fall morning with blue skies and sunshine, ideal running conditions, and a picturesque fall morning to kick off a great day of homecoming events. 

The races started with a 400-meter Panther Cub Dash for children under 12 years old. The race was adorable, and some very fast panther cubs chased the Panther around the short course. 

Over 40 runners from the Principia community – alumni, current students, faculty, staff, children, and parents – toed the line for the Cowbell 5K. Dr. Nicholas Johnson fulfilled his lifelong dream of being "the cow." The gun went off, and the runners chased the cow, who conveniently jumped into the lead vehicle and watched the runners from a distance. There was some excellent racing on display, with the Principia Cross Country team posting some quality times. It was a solid workout for the Principia runners as they gear up for the SLIAC Championship meet on October 30th.

After the race, the Cross Country team served homemade pies to all the race participants. It was a memorable morning and a great way to celebrate the coming together of current, former, and future Principia College runners.