Knoxville track team featured in very sweet ‘Sesame Street’ special. Here’s how to watch

“Ready, set, bake!” is not the typical phrase young athletes of Run’em Down Track and Field hear before a competition. But that’s the name of the game when you’re in a friendly bake-off against the Cookie Monster.

Run’em Down, an Amateur Athletic Union organization in Knoxville, is featured in “Cookie Monster’s Bake Sale,” a new “Sesame Street” special now available on the streaming service Max.

Cookie Monster and former NFL player and season 11 Food Network Star winner chef Eddie Jackson lead teams in a bake sale to raise money for new uniforms.

“The entire opportunity in itself was a gift. A lot of kids will never get an opportunity like that. That was very special,” Byron Ragsdale, Run'em Down director and head coach, told Knox News.

The bake sale episode is one of three new “Sesame Street” specials on Max centered around giving back to communities to help children and families. “Sesame Street” characters Elmo and Oscar the Grouch also will be featured, as well as Food Network and HGTV stars.

“Whether it’s holding a bake sale to raise money for a cause, turning trash into treasure to spotlight an animal shelter, or remodeling an underfunded theater classroom, all three specials stress the importance of kindness, teamwork, being resourceful and helping others,” Kay Wilson Stallings, head of creative at Sesame Workshop said in a statement.

Ragsdale said being part of legendary program such as “Sesame Street” was a once in a lifetime experience for the kids and the adults.

“There was a nostalgic vibe buzzing around with all the adults involved because most of us grew up on Sesame Street,” he said.

Not only did Run’em Down receive the new uniforms the team worked for during the bake sale with Cookie Monster, but Ragsdale was also happy they were able to help teach the importance of teamwork on a show that promotes positivity.

What is Run’em Down Track and Field?

Run’em Down Track and Field is a nonprofit organization that specializes in developing young athletes into experienced runners, sprinters, jumpers, and throwers, according to its website.

The athletes practice at Central High School and compete against other teams across the country. The program relies on fundraising and donations to keep the financial obligations for kids to participate as low as possible.

More information about Run’em Down Track and Field is available on the website, werunemdown.org. And donations can be made via Venmo at Run-em-DownTC.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: 'Sesame Street’ special showcases Knoxville track team