LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University men's and women's cross country teams partnered with the Louisville Fellowship of Christian Athletes on Tuesday to staff their annual elementary and middle school races at Southeast Christian Church. 

The evening featured six races, with dozens of area teams and hundreds of young athletes, from first through eighth grades. The Knights assisted with managing the finishing chute, handing out medals and popsicles, marshalling the course and encouraging competitors. 

"Doing our service project allowed our team to go back to our roots and remember what it meant to fall in love with our sport," sophomore Parker Terry said. "Nothing brightens your day more than cheering on young athletes and watching them smile as they cross that finish line. Working the elementary school meet reminded us that we wouldn't be where we are today without volunteers helping us reach our goals along the way."

"Serving at the FCA cross country races was a great way for our team to give back to the sport that has given us so much," junior Lauren Stephens said. "We were able to cheer on and support the next generation of runners as people have done for each of us in the past and continue to do for us during our races."

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