High-octane energy.

Music blasting from the loudspeakers.

The airhorn sounds at the starting line and throngs of elementary school kids are off and running.

About 800 students in second through fifth grades tore off across the arena dirt at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds during the 32nd annual District 271 Cross Country Race on Thursday evening. They raced a one-mile loop for medals, ribbons and bragging rights, all while showcasing their school spirit and making memories with friends and classmates.

"I run a lot in the summer," said Bryan Elementary School fifth grader Boston Anderson, who won the first-place medal. "I'm good at it and it's just fun."

Dalton Elementary student Layne Whiteman sprinted to first in the fifth grade girls race.

"I've done this since I was in second grade," Layne said. "I just like running. I've done running for the past few years and I just love it."

The grown-ups who coordinate the event love it just as much as the kids. Trena Burt, a longtime teacher at Ramsey Magnet School of Science, is in her 24th year coordinating the district's cross country meet.

"It's a lot of work, but then when you see them come and see their little faces come through the finish line, it's worth it," she said. "It's worth all the work. Even if they're last, they participated."

Bryan Elementary coach Heather Montee has also helped coordinate the event for 24 years.

"They're all winners if they're out there running. They are so excited to run," she said. "It's a passion of mine, I just love it."

The district-wide meet originally began at Hayden Meadows Elementary with parents Kris and Vern Newby. When their oldest daughter was a second grader, she participated in cross country events in Spokane.

"She did a short stint there," Vern said. "When we came over here there were no programs at all, so my wife presented a program to the principal and was approved to start a cross country meet program."

All five Newby kids participated in the meet, which has grown to encompass all elementary schools in the district.

"We feel so excited about doing this," Vern said. "Last year, we took a road trip to Maine, but we waited until the meet was over before we left. We do this every year."

Results from the District 271 Cross Country Race will be published in The Press next week.