Saratoga High School runners, led by Cole Harris, held the first annual Chocolate Milk Mile on Saturday, August 5, 2026, at the Saratoga Springs High School track. The summer‑time fun run was organized to generate proceeds for the school’s boys and girls cross‑country teams.
The event invited students and community members to complete a single lap around the track while sipping chocolate milk at designated stations. Participants gathered early in the morning despite the sweltering heat that marked the day, and the race proceeded without interruption. Local volunteers staffed the water stations and handed out the chocolate milk, ensuring a steady flow for participants.
All revenue collected from entry fees and beverage sales was earmarked for cross‑country program support. The funds are intended to cover equipment, travel expenses, and other costs associated with maintaining competitive teams for both male and female athletes. The cross‑country teams rely on external funding each season, making the proceeds from the mile a valuable addition to the athletic budget.
The Saratoga Springs High School track, a standard eight‑lane oval, served as the venue for the mile‑long course. Organizers placed cooling stations and shaded areas to help runners cope with the high temperatures that characterized the August afternoon.
The inaugural Chocolate Milk Mile marks the beginning of what organizers hope will become an annual tradition, linking community recreation with athletic funding. By pairing a light‑hearted race with a charitable goal, the event provided a practical means for supporters to contribute to the cross‑country programs.