Cheers echoed across Atherton’s campus on Saturday, September 13. Hundreds of younger runners laced up their shoes to compete in the annual Flying Raven meet hosted by Atherton’s cross country program.

Students from thirty local middle and elementary schools took on 2k and 3k courses that stretched over Atherton’s rolling hills. For many students, this was their first time running a high school course, cheered on by teammates, volunteers, parents, and coaches. The sun was shining, the crowd was cheering, and runners were jumping up and down at the start line ready to conquer.

Atherton Cross Country Coach Brian Hancock guided the runners through the course on the gator. The races were filled with both excitement and determination. As runners curved the top of each hill, the crowds of parents and teammates grew louder. Two elementary school girls even proudly held hands across the finish line while the crowd erupted.

“I think what the younger runners see and what the parents see is just a really compassionate, thoughtful team and culture that exists today,” said Hancock, head of Atherton’s cross country team. “I saw a lot of the current members of the team doing their best with the little runners to make them feel welcome and happy and have fun.”

Hundreds of children wrapped up the meet with shiny medals, while Atherton’s athletes had many duties. At the finish line, they gave out medals to the top boys and girls finishers, handed out hundreds of water cups, and made announcements over the PA system. Prior to the race, the team could be found shoveling the course, setting up the long finish line, cutting down branches, and putting much more into preparation.

“Having a good team, communication, and good effort going into setting up the course made it go by faster,” said Trey Leister, a 12th grade runner. “I feel like you could apply that to just about every job we accomplished.”

A community is formed from the Flying Raven meet. High school students bond with younger runners and inspire future athletes.

“I love seeing our current team through the work behind the scenes and working with the young runners in the moment to make them have a positive experience,” said Hancock.

For many, the Flying Raven race isn’t about winning, but finishing to be a part of a larger running community. “I saw myself in some of the younger runners,” says Elise France, an 11th grade runner for Atherton, “It reminded me of when I ran back in second grade.”

For years, the Flying Raven has been a tradition for Atherton’s cross country team. It is a way for Atherton to showcase school spirit to possible future students and create a foundation for the upcoming events. With the event’s success, Atherton hopes to continue the tradition of proving that cross country is for everyone.