 In their most famous appearances , a team of varsity student @-@ athletes , Ralphie Handlers , run the buffalo around Folsom Field in a horse shoe pattern with the football team behind them at both the start of the game and the start of the second half . Five Ralphie Handlers run her around the field , four on either side of her to help guide her around the field and one in the back to control her speed . The rest of the team guides her from a distance , showing her the route . Ralphie and her Handlers can reach speeds of 25 miles per hour . Ralphie and her Handlers also make special appearances throughout the year talking to fans and educating Colorado Athletics , Ralphie , and buffalo in general . 
