BOISE -- Saturday marked another successful year for the Beat Coach Pete Scholarship Run and Walk as more than 1,000 people beat the Bronco's head football coach.
This year's race saw record-setting attendance for the fundraiser that benefits BSU students. Over 2,400 people, the most ever to participate in the race, came out for a chance to beat a coach that doesn't lose very often.
As for Coach Chris Petersen, he not only had to deal with defeat, he had to pay for it as well.
Racers showed up early Saturday morning to make sure they got in a good stretch before the big run.
After stretching, racer Cameron Almer made some time for trash talking.
"We're trying to beat him twice, that's the goal today," said Almer.
Earlier in the week, Petersen talked about being in the best shape of his life and planning to run the 5K in about 30 minutes.
"When I get all the people out here, the competitive fire comes out," Petersen said. "We'll see what happens here shortly."
Just like the previous four years, once the race began, it was a mad dash to beat Pete.
Remember Almer? He beat Pete and everyone else. His final time: 13 minutes, 52 seconds.
A total of 1,062 people crossed the finish line before Petersen.
"I think there was a little strategy on our Bronco Nation's part," Petersen said. "I was boxed in many times and held back...I think my goal was that 12 minute, 13 minute barrier. I couldn't seem to get past anybody on these bridges and tunnels."
For those that beat Petersen, elation was a common reaction.
Like for John Robinson, who said, "It feels great. It's a nice way to start the morning."
And Desera Lopez, who said, "I actually just try to come out and have fun, but I do train a little bit at home, but it's mostly about fun.
At $5 a piece for each person who beat him, Petersen donated a total of $5,310 to the school's general scholarship fund.
"We don't like losing, and losing that bad, but it's for a great cause and I can't thank the people that came out here enough," said Petersen.
There were some Vandals that showed up to the run today, saying it was their only chance to beat a Bronco. Petersen heard about that and said he didn't want to run next to them in fear of having to run harder than his heart would allow.
