The Sunrise Stampede is a Longmont tradition that began in 1986 when Ronald Reagan was President, the Bears beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl 46 – 10 and Top Gun was the number one movie. The Stampede was founded by Longmont Sunrise Lions Club members Roger Lange, Herold Schulz and Dale Carr with the original sponsor being Mountain Bell. The Lions Club believed the race was an innovative way to create a Longmont-based, family friendly event to raise money to support students. For many years the funds were allocated for substance abuse and drug awareness education for teens.
For 32 years the logo was handcrafted by Alison Richards, ensuring race participants would be eager to wear the current design.
Award recipients continue to receive handmade mugs by local artist Mark Rossier of Niwot, Colorado. For 33 years the Sunrise Stampede has built community, promoted family friendly fun and created serious competition. It is proudly the second longest community running event in Longmont, and has raised over $250,000 to benefit St. Vrain Valley students.
In 2016 the Stampede began partnering with the Education Foundation for the St. Vrain Valley to award grants to students with special needs in St. Vrain Valley schools. It also got an updated race course that starts and ends at Silver Creek High School. Thank you for keeping this Longmont tradition strong!
