Kraut Run

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Kraut Run returned to D-E! Beautiful weather greeted dozens of enthusiastic runners and walkers, who gathered to remember the legacy of beloved teacher and coach Jerry Krauthamer, aka “Kraut.” Event volunteers and participants, who ran an arduous 5K around campus or walked a more relaxed 1-mile path, included current families, alumni and parents of alumni, current faculty and former colleagues of Kraut’s, and friends. Sporting T-shirts that featured a distinctive illustration of Kraut, everyone was reminded throughout the event that “Kraut’s got your back.” Thank you to all who helped make Kraut Run 2024 so successful, meaningful, and memorable!

After a brief hiatus, Kraut’s Running of the Bulldogs (a.k.a. “The Kraut Run”) returned! This 5K race and 1-mile Fun Run was established in 2015 to honor legendary D-E faculty member, coach, and friend, Jerald Krauthamer.

Mr. Krauthamer (known to all as “Kraut”) taught English at D-E from 1978 to 2015. In this time, he had two stretches as the cross-country and track coach that coincided with the two most successful in the school’s history.

Kraut’s influence went beyond wins and losses. His legacy includes nearly doubling the size of the Cross Country team and tripling the size of the Track team in large part due to his quiet yet effective coaching style. Unknown to many, he would purchase and donate field event equipment when the school’s budget couldn’t quite accommodate it. He consistently lived the school’s mission to “As a community…make it better.”

To read even more about Kraut and his enduring legacy, please click here for an archival article excerpt, originally featured in D-E Today magazine.

All net proceeds of the Kraut Run supports D-E cross-country and track student athletes by providing scholarships for them to attend camps and other special opportunities. Kraut’s life partner, Betsey Carson, another beloved former D-E faculty member, remains committed to the School, its mission, and this event in his memory.

WHO can participate?

The event is open to all who register (click here!) and intended to be an opportunity to gather D-E Community. Strollers are permitted for the Fun Run only. 

 

WHAT is the course?

It’s a casual, self-timed (but hilly) 5k run on the D-E campus. The 1-mile fun run is also within the D-E campus.

Kraut Run 2024 Map (PDF) (Current as of 10/14/24): CLICK HERE to View/Download.

 

WHEN is the race?

Saturday, October 19, 2024
Event Check-In: 8:00 AM / Race Time: 9:00 AM

Come rain or shine!

 

WHEN and WHERE do I get my race bib? 

Friday, October 18, 2024, from noon to 3:30 PM, on the 2nd Floor of Graham House, 81 Lincoln Street

Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, on Graham Field, 81 Lincoln Street

 

WHY are we doing this event?

Kraut’s Running of the Bulldogs began in 2015 and was paused during the pandemic. Yet the enthusiasm from students, faculty, and alumni to bring back this joyous, accessible, and meaningful community event never dimmed. We felt that now was a good time to take a moment to do what Kraut always did—come together as a community and make it better. 

 

HOW do I sign up or get more information?

Register here! For more information on the event, contact Bev Mac Keen, Director of Development, at (201) 227-3115 or mackeb@d-e.org. 

 

EXPLAIN   please:

Kraut was known for his marvelous sense of humor (as well as his prolific lexicon). This cartoonish sketch of his glabrous silhouette still adorns D-E Cross-Country and Track uniforms!