Bisbee High School

The roughly 4.5-mile course, with its 9 staircases and more than 1,000 steps, brings runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators together for a celebration of Bisbee's unique character.

Among this year's volunteers were members of the Bisbee High School cross-country team, which Rice Stewart helps coach.

He said, support generated through the event will help the team purchase equipment and cover travel expenses, including hotel stays.

And when asked what lesson his young athletes might take from watching their coach struggle through an injury, his message was simple.