SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - The 14th annual Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon set records for money raised and total runners.

The marathon raised $81,390 in 2025, thanks in part to a record-high 669 runners across the event's four races. In total, 41 states were represented and there were runners from as far as Kenya and Peru.

The money raised supports student scholarships, academic programs and facilities at WNCC. WNCC Foundation Board Chair Judy Chaloupka praised the volunteers and all the donors for making the event bigger and better each year.

"You can't imagine how much effort it takes to manage 300-plus volunteers and to get them to come back year after year," Chaloupka said. "The other people that help so much are the in-kind donations for the marathon, whether it's providing food or cleaning the canal road, (support from) the fire department, and all those things that are taken care of so we can have this beautiful event. We couldn't do it without the village that we have in the valley. We're so grateful that it continues to increase every year."

Last year, the Foundation was able to award nearly $400,000 to 388 students.

"Without the scholarships that are provided, in large part because of the Marathon, students wouldn't have the opportunity to pursue their dreams," WNCC President Greg Dart said. "I want to thank you for helping our students accomplish what they are trying to accomplish and for making their dreams a reality."

Along with the mission to raise money for WNCC students, the marathon seeks to promote tourism to the area and highlight the beauty of Western Nebraska. Seventy-seven percent of runners came from outside Scotts Bluff County, 66 percent being first-time participants in the Monument Marathon. Nearly half brought others with them and stayed at least one night in the area.

Platte Valley Companies has been the title sponsor of the event all 14 years.

"We're very proud once again to be the title sponsor," President and CEO of PVC, Hod Kosman said. "It takes more than a village to get this done. Thank you for honoring us by being a part of it and making our community shine the way it does."

The winner of the Corporate Challenge was Riverstone Bank, earning $1,000 that will be donated to the Panhandle Humane Society. The Corporate Challenge is sponsored by Carr-Trumbull Lumber.