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Twenty years ago, a teary-eyed Cathy Krautkramer watched as children walked around the school track for a good cause.

The Spirit Challenge at Steamboat Springs Middle School on Saturday evoked the same emotion in Krautkramer, who initiated the original event -- then called the Schwall Challenge -- to raise money for community projects.

"It always has been just so overwhelming," she said.

Krautkramer's grandchildren were among about 160 youngsters who weathered snow and rain to participate in the event, now a fund-raiser for the Legacy Foundation, which funds educational programs throughout Routt County.

Students earned pledges for each quarter-mile loop they ran or walked in an hour and a half.

Five- and 10-kilometer runs and a 5K walk through Strawberry Park accompanied the youth challenge. The races were the first in the 2005 Steamboat Springs Running Series, and race proceeds went to the Legacy Foundation.

"I think it's wonderful, and the best thing about it is the kids are raising money for their own programs," foundation president Celia Dunham said, noting that the Spirit Challenge is a major source of funding.

Last year, the event raised more than $7,000. This year's fund-raising total will be available later this month.

Past and current foundation programs include the South Routt Literacy Carnival, Yampa River Ecology Study Buddies program, fourth-grade photo journals and a vertical climbing wall for Soda Creek and Strawberry Park elementary school students.

"I always think exercise is good," said Connie Zabel, one of the many parents who ran or walked with their children. "This is something they can do no matter what their ability."

When results are calculated, the top fund-raisers will win prizes. About 100 businesses contributed prizes and pledges to the event.

Prizes include junior ski passes donated by the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp., a limo ride courtesy of Alpine Taxi, a river trip from Colorado River Guides and gift certificates.

About 43 racers competed in the 5K and 10K races.

Nate Anderson led the men in the 10K race with a time of 36 minutes, 25 seconds. Andy Picking took second at 36:36, and Todd Lodwick came in third with a time of 38:05.

Abigail Reichley topped the women's race at 42:10, and Sarah Whittingham followed with a time of 43:58. Valarie Wells-Connor came in third at 49:14.

In the 5K race, Matt Stevenson led the men with a time of 22:17, followed by Larry Handing at 23:22 and Don Swartz at 24:07.

Kathleen Prowse finished first for the women with a time of 24:12. Jessica Stevenson took second at 25:06, and Kay Stuart finished a close third at 25:08.

The next race in the series is the Hot Springs Short Cut Race on Saturday.

Racers will run, walk and bike about seven miles from the Steamboat Springs Health and Recreation Center to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Runners and walkers may take any route, and bikers must follow a marked path.

The walk starts at 8 a.m., followed by runners at 9 a.m. and bikers at 9:30 a.m. Participants can register at Christy Sports or at www.active.com.

For more information, visit www.runningseries.com.

-- To reach Tamera Manzanares call 871-4204 or e-mail tmanzanares@steamboatpilot.com