Runners that live in West Valley City have numerous chances to participate and share their love for the sport. Hunter, Granger and Cyprus high school athletes have experienced a great track season; their results can help to motivate others to participate.

Cyprus High School’s girls track team captured the Region 4 championship. They scored 292 points in the finals, Taylorsville took second with 119. Granger finished fourth and Hunter sixth. Their success helped the team learn and gain experience.

The Pirates boys team finished in second behind West Jordan, Hunter finished fourth and Granger sixth. 

“It is exciting to see them improve,” Granger alumni and former track athlete Gwenn Erickson said. Many fans commented on their Instagram and Facebook posts. Former track athletes wished them the best.

The Region 4 championship included several local athletes winning their respective events. 

Cyprus’ Aiden Hicks won first place in the 200 meters, Michelle Ellis won the 400m and 800m; Chris Hercules won the 800m; Jasmine Pacheco won the 1600m; Andrew Poulson won the 3200m; Lily Shawcroft won the 3200m; Leilani Kofe won the discus; Dyanna Parra won the javelin; and Gabby Morfin won the long jump.

The Pirates won the boys 4x200m relay and the girls 4x400 and 4x800m relays.

Granger won the 4x100 and 4x200 girls relays.

Lancer senior Demetria Harpe won the girls 200m.

Wolverines senior Griffin Gallagher took first place in the 300m hurdles.

These winning athletes trained and prepared for their opportunities, some for years. What can residents do to prepare themselves for a local 5K or fun run? 

According to verywellfit.com a beginning runner should find a group of friends with similar goals, stay hydrated, and fuel your body with good foods. The website says a four week plan to prepare for a race is perfect for beginners.

Exercising does not need to feel like punishment. Finding activities that your family enjoys doing, celebrating successes, and sharing the fun with friends can make the activity enjoyable.

West Valley Parks and Recreation has scheduled the annual WestFest fun run for Saturday, June 15. The run will start at West Valley City Park (4400 W. 3500 South) and proceed to the fitness center. It is not a timed event and this year the theme is the ’80s.

Runningtheusa.com lists several upcoming races in the area. Some of the most notable include Girls on the Run 5K on June 1; Huntsman Sportsfest on June 8 which includes a 5K and a 10K trail run; and then the Deseret News Marathon on July 24. Runners from across the country participate in that marathon.  λ