The Panther Run – General Information Sheet
Event Overview:
The inaugural Panther Run is a 24-hour relay event hosted at Snohomish High School to honor the memory of Dave LeWarne. The primary purpose is to raise funds for college scholarships for local high school students in Dave LeWarne's honor. Additionally, the run will fund a scholarship in the memory of Tuck Gionet and as well a character-based scholarship sponsored by the Travis Manion Foundation, that reflects their motto of “If Not Me, Then Who…” Teams of runners will relay on the school track continuously for 24 hours, demonstrating endurance, teamwork, and community spirit in a fun, substance-free environment.
Purpose and Spirit of the Event:
The Panther Run is more than an athletic challenge – it’s a community celebration and a fundraiser. Participants are expected to uphold the spirit of camaraderie, perseverance, and dedication throughout the 24 hours. By participating, you are helping to fund scholarships for Snohomish students in memory of Dave LeWarne, who was a beloved member of the community. We encourage everyone to have fun, support your teammates and other teams, and remember that safety and sportsmanship come first. This is a non-competitive fun event; while some teams may run many miles, others may take it slower – all levels are welcome. Every participant and every lap completed contributes to the greater goal.
Date & Time:
Start: Friday, June 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM (opening ceremony and relay start)
End: Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM (closing ceremony and final lap)
Teams should check in at the Snohomish High School track before the start time (we recommend arriving by 4:00 PM to set up camp and receive last-minute instructions). The event will officially run overnight for a full 24 hours.
Location:
Venue: Snohomish High School Track & Field
Address: 1316 Fifth St, Snohomish, WA 98290 (main athletic field)
The running relay takes place on the track. Camping for participants is on the infield/football field area inside the track. Restroom facilities will be available on site throughout the event. A first-aid station with basic medical assistance will be staffed 24 hours for any injuries or emergencies.
Team Composition:
Teams consist of 10 runners each. There are two team categories:
Student Teams: All members are students (high school age).
Non-Student Teams: Adult or mixed-age teams (community members, alumni, faculty, etc.).
Each team of 10 will have one designated Team Captain (and if a student team, an adult Coach/Supervisor as well – see Coach/Captain Responsibilities document). Teams must complete the event with the original members registered.
Registration and Fees:
To participate, teams must register and pay the entry fee by the registration deadline (to be announced, typically a few weeks before the event date). The entry fees are:
Student Team: $250 per team (covers all 10 student)
Family team $350 per team (should be a mix of 10 adults and children, intent is family members)
Non-Student Team: $500 per team (covers all 10 participants)
The fee helps cover event costs and contributes to the scholarship fund. Teams are encouraged to seek additional sponsorships and donations from friends, family, or local businesses using the Sponsorship/Donation Form. All registration forms and fees (and any collected donations, if available) should be submitted together to the event organizers by the deadline.
Event Schedule Highlights:
Friday 1:00–5:30 PM: Team check-in and campsite setup on field. Teams will be assigned a space on the infield for their tent and gear.
Friday 5:45 PM: Welcome and opening remarks at the track. All teams assemble at the starting area.
Friday 6:00PM: Relay start – The first runners from each team begin the 24-hour relay. One runner from each team will be on the track at all times once the relay starts.
Throughout Friday–Saturday: Teams continue running in shifts through the day and night. An official timing system and scorers will track laps and time. There may be music, announcements, and optional mini-challenges or entertainment during the event to keep the atmosphere fun (announcements will be made).
Saturday 7:00 AM: Morning check-in and safety brief (overnight runners should ensure they report any issues to organizers).
Saturday 5:00 PM: Final hour – teams prepare all members for the final collective laps.
Saturday 6:00 PM: Relay finish – all teams conclude the run. Closing ceremony held to celebrate participants, announce any notable achievements (such as most laps run or top fundraisers), and thank sponsors and volunteers. Teams break down campsites and clean up.
By 8:00PM – All teams must be off the fields and out of the stadium for clean-up.
On-Site Rules & Amenities:
Camping: Participants will camp overnight on the field inside the track. Tents and camping gear are allowed and encouraged (one tent per team is common). Teams are responsible for bringing their own tents, sleeping bags, and any overnight supplies. No open flames (candles, campfires) are permitted. Battery-powered lanterns and flashlights are recommended for use at night. Quiet hours after 10:00 PM will be observed – please keep noise to a minimum during late night to let others rest, and to not disturb our neighbors (no loud music or shouting in camping areas). No Generators.
Food & Drinks: Teams may bring their own food and beverages to stay fueled during the 24 hours. Coolers with snacks, sandwiches, sports drinks, water, etc., are encouraged. There will also be free water refill stations on site. We encourage healthy foods and hydration. No alcohol or drugs are allowed on school grounds (this is a strictly substance-free event for all ages). Additionally, please avoid glass containers for safety.
Facilities: Restrooms and handwashing stations are available near the track throughout the event. We will also have volunteer security overnight for safety. Trash and recycling bins will be placed around – please keep the school grounds clean. Teams should maintain their camp area and dispose of trash properly.
Parking: Parking is available in the school’s main lot and the student lot on 7th street. Once unloaded, participants should move vehicles to designated parking areas and not park on the grass or track. For security, the gates may be closed late at night; if someone must leave early, please notify event staff in advance.
Weather: The event will proceed rain or shine. In case of severe weather (thunderstorms, extreme winds), organizers will have an emergency plan which will be communicated (which may include pausing the relay or taking shelter in the gym). Teams should bring appropriate clothing for day heat, night chill, and potential rain (layers, jackets, hats, sunscreen for daytime).
Please read the Race Rules and Regulations document for specific rules all participants must follow. All team members must also sign the Waiver and Emergency Contact Form before the event (minors require a parent/guardian signature). If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the event organizers at Snohomish High School’s office or via email (example: pantherrun@snohomish.k12.wa.us).
We look forward to an amazing 24-hour relay! Thank you for being part of The Panther Run and helping us carry Dave Lewarne’s legacy forward.
The Panther Run – Race Rules and Regulations
All participants and teams in The Panther Run are required to follow these rules and regulations to ensure a safe, fair, and enjoyable event. By participating in the relay, you agree to abide by the following rules. Failure to comply may result in disqualification or removal from the event.
General Conduct and Safety Rules
Drug and Alcohol Free: This event is strictly drug-, tobacco-, and alcohol-free. No alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vaping devices, or illicit drugs are allowed on school property. Participants found in possession or under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be removed from the event immediately. Teams are responsible for policing their own members to ensure compliance.
No Fighting or Misconduct: Participants must behave respectfully and responsibly. No fighting, harassment, or unsportsmanlike conduct will be tolerated. This includes respect towards your own team, other teams, event staff, and the facility. Snohomish High School property rules apply; any dangerous or inappropriate behavior may result in ejection from the event.
Approved volunteers are allowed in the track infield/camping area after 7:00 PM (school grounds will be closed to non-participants during the overnight period).
Stay on Site: For safety and team continuity, all participants are encouraged to remain at the event for the full 24 hours. If a participant must leave, their team may continue with the remaining members (no replacement allowed). Team captains or coaches should inform the event officials if a member has to leave. Otherwise, no one should leave campus during the event – this ensures everyone is accounted for, especially overnight. If a minor participant must leave early, a parent or guardian must pick them up and sign them out with their team captain.
Overnight Safety: After dark, the track and field will have area lighting, but visibility may still be limited. Participants on the track at night should consider wearing reflective clothing or a headlamp. No bicycling, skateboards, or unauthorized vehicles on the track – foot traffic only. For those resting, remain in the designated camping areas. Security staff or volunteers will monitor the grounds; report any suspicious activity or any medical or safety concerns to the staff immediately.
Relay Running Rules
Team Composition: Each team consists of 10 official members.. All runners must be officially registered on the team roster before the start. If a team member cannot continue due to fatigue or injury, the team proceeds with fewer runners; you cannot add new runners mid-event.
One Runner on Track: Only one member of each team may be on the track running/walking at any given time. Teams must coordinate among themselves to ensure continuous participation. At least one team member must be on the track at all times throughout the 24 hours. There is no maximum time a member can run, but teams typically rotate regularly (e.g., every mile or every certain number of minutes) to share the workload.
Baton Relay: Each team will use a relay baton (or an item acting as a baton) to signify who is the active runner. The baton must remain on the track with the active runner at all times. When changing runners, the baton handoff must occur in your designated exchange zone (can be near your campsite). The incoming runner must hand the baton directly to the next runner—no throwing or dropping the baton on purpose. Each team is responsible for bringing a baton or similar object (such as a short tube, stick, or even a small flashlight) to use for exchanges. If needed, the organizers will have a few spare batons on hand.
Running Order: Teams should establish a running rotation or order of runners. Once the relay starts, it’s recommended to keep a consistent order to ensure fairness in rest times. For example, Runner 1 → Runner 2 → ... → Runner 10, then back to Runner 1, and so on. However, teams may adjust on the fly if needed (except that you cannot substitute in anyone not originally on the team). If a runner needs extra rest or is injured, you may skip them and continue with the remaining runners in rotation. Communication within the team is key so that the next runner is always ready in the exchange zone for the handoff.
Exact Distance per Turn (Optional): It is suggested (but not strictly required) that each runner completes a set distance (for example, one mile) before exchanging the baton. An official mile on a standard track is 4 laps (4×400m = 1600m, slightly short of a full mile, but we count 4 laps as a mile for simplicity). Teams can choose to stick to one-mile legs or use a timed interval (like 15 minutes per runner) – decide what works best for your team’s fitness level. The key is to ensure only one person from the team is on track and the baton is passed properly at transitions.
Lap Counting and Scoring: The event will have an official timer and scoring officials. We will be using a chip system, attached to the baton to count laps. Teams are encouraged to count their own laps as well. Each time your runner completes a lap, make sure it is recorded. It’s each team’s responsibility to ensure their laps are being counted correctly – don’t forget to check in especially if manual counting is in place. The total distance (or laps) run by the team in 24 hours may be announced at the end and used for recognition or awards.
Track Etiquette: Standard track etiquette must be observed: Slower runners or walkers should yield the inside lane to faster runners. In practice, this means if you are walking or going slowly, move to an outer lane so others can pass on the inside. Faster runners should pass on the outside if the inside lane is occupied by a slower runner – communicate (“track!” or “on your left!”) when passing at night or when someone might not hear you. Everyone should be respectful on the track – no sudden stops in lane 1, no blocking others. If you need to tie your shoe or stop, move off the track or to an outer lane.
Footwear: Proper athletic footwear is required on the track at all times. No one is allowed to run barefoot or in socks only (this is for safety and hygiene on the track). Also, please ensure shoes are non-marking (most running shoes are fine) to avoid damage to the track surface.
No Wheels or Aids: Participants may only travel on foot. No bicycles, skates, scooters, or any wheeled transportation is allowed for completing laps. S
Outside Assistance: Supporters and team members who are resting can cheer from the sidelines, but only the active runner is allowed on the track (except event staff). Teammates should not join in running beside the active runner (pacing) except during the brief baton handoff. Hand offs should be quick – the next runner can start running after receiving the baton. Non-participants (friends, family, spectators) are welcome to watch from the stands or designated areas but are not allowed on the track or infield for safety reasons, especially overnight.
Camp and Facilities Rules
Camping Area: Each team will have an assigned camping spot on the field. Keep your area tidy and your belongings together. Do not spread out beyond your assigned space. All tents must be placed within the designated camping zone (as directed by event staff during setup). For fairness, each team gets roughly equal space. No camping or resting on the track itself or on the immediate track sidelines; those must be kept clear.
Fire and Cooking: No open fires, grills, or any kind of flame is permitted on school grounds. If you bring food that needs heating, use only small camping stoves with extreme caution and only in a designated area (check with event staff for a safe area). A communal area for heating water or simple cooking might be arranged. All teams are expected to adhere to fire safety. No propane lanterns or generators in the tents. Battery packs for charging devices are okay.
Food & Drink: Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed and encouraged for participants. Please store food securely (in coolers or sealed containers) to prevent messes or attracting any wildlife/bugs overnight. Glass containers are not allowed on the field or track. Each team is responsible for its own meals; however, we will have some complimentary water available. After 10:00 PM, no outside food deliveries will be permitted (if you plan to order dinner, do so earlier, or have it delivered outside the gate and bring it in before that time).
Trash: Teams must use the trash and recycling bins provided. Keep the school grounds clean. Before the finish of the event on Saturday, each team should clean up its camp area. Leave no trace – we want to make sure we can hold this event every year, and that means respecting the facilities.
Restrooms and Showers: Portable restrooms will be available near the track. Additionally, limited access to an indoor restroom (and locker room showers) may be provided during certain hours (e.g., an open locker room from 6-8 AM for anyone who wants a quick shower). Follow posted signs or instructions from staff about which facilities are open. Please keep facilities clean and be courteous if others are waiting.
Emergency Procedures: In case of serious injury or emergency (e.g., severe weather, fire alarm, etc.), an air horn or loudspeaker will signal all participants to stop. Follow the instructions of event staff immediately. There will be an emergency evacuation plan (the meeting point will be announced during the opening briefing, likely the gym or a safe area). Team captains and coaches should account for all their team members if an evacuation or emergency suspension of the event occurs. The clock may be paused for major emergencies at the organizers’ discretion.
Medical: A first aid station with basic supplies (bandages, ice, etc.) is on-site. For any injury or illness that needs more than basic first we will contact local EMS. Notify the staff of any medical issue immediately – do not wait if something feels wrong (e.g., signs of heat exhaustion, severe fatigue, injury). If a participant cannot continue due to medical reasons, they should stop – do not risk your health. In an urgent emergency, staff will call 911. All participants must have provided emergency contact information and signed the waiver (see Waiver form) so that proper care can be arranged if needed.
Compliance and Courtesy: All participants must follow any additional instructions given by race officials, security, or Snohomish High School staff during the event. We may issue additional guidelines during the event if unexpected situations arise. Please be flexible and understanding – safety is our top priority. If a team or member violates the rules or instructions (for example, a team consistently has no runner on the track, or someone brings in prohibited items), organizers reserve the right to give warnings or to disqualify the team from the event. Disqualification means the team would be asked to stop running and possibly leave the premises, and they would not be counted in the final results.
Weather and Cancellation: The event will proceed in most weather conditions, including rain. Teams should be prepared for weather changes. In the event of truly dangerous weather (lightning storm, extreme wind, etc.), the event officials may suspend the relay until it’s safe to continue or, if necessary, cancel the remainder of the event. There are no refunds of registration fees due to weather cancellations (funds will still go to the scholarship fund). We will do everything possible to safely complete the 24-hour run.
These rules are designed to protect everyone and ensure The Panther Run is a positive experience for all. Thank you for reading and adhering to the guidelines. If you have questions about any rule, please ask an organizer or official – we’re happy to clarify. Now let’s have a great relay!