Annual Dash at Dusk 5K Race draws hundreds

Runners had near perfect weather for the Mount Gilead “Dash at Dusk” 5K Race last Thursday. The thermometer lingered around 72 degrees with low humidity and a cool light breeze. Runners appreciated the unseasonably cool weather, but only six or seven children went in the pool for a swim after the run.

16 children took part in the ½ mile “Fun Run” before the 5K race started. Katie Haft came in first for the girls followed by Grace Mowery and Morgan White. Parker Bartlett came in first for the boys followed by Dane Creswell and Byron Keeling.

Findlay University grad, and Mount Gilead alum, Jake Hayes finished first overall in the 5K with a time of 15:44. Coming in second was Wyatt Harmon with 16:18, followed by Colton Johnson 16:28; Chad Johnson, 16:34 and Austin Hallabrin 17:05. Hayes and Colton Johnson were in the 19-24 age group, while Wyatt Harmon, Colton Johnson and Hallabrin were in the 15-18 age group.

Emily Roberts came in first for the women in the 5K race with 17:58, Sarah Fowler was second with 18:50 and Jenna Shipman was third with 20:19. They were followed by Rachel Bush with 20:27 and Bryanna Bocha with 20:50. Roberts and Fowler were in the women’s 19-24 age group while Shipman, Bush, and Bocha were in the 15-18 age group.

Mount Gilead Recreation Director, Diana Durham said 138 finished the race officially with 6 age groups that included 14 and under, 15-18, 19-24, 40-44, 50-54, and 60 and over. The first 100 runners received a Tee shirt and there were drinks and ice cream for everyone to enjoy while they waited for their numbers to be tallied.

Rick Campbell enjoyed reminiscing with Gail West as he recalled starting the first Dash at Dusk with Ron Thill in the mid-1980’s. He said it was called Dash at Dusk with a Double Dip, referring to the swimming and ice cream that runners traditionally enjoy following the race. He said it died out for a few years and came back sometime in the 1990’s and has become a favorite event of the summer that starts before the opening of the Cross Country season.

Alberta Stojkovic is a correspondent with the Morrow County Sentinel and can be reached at [email protected].

147 Runners lean in at the mark of the Dash at Dusk 5K Race in Mount Gilead last Thursday. The annual event is sponsored by the Village of Mt. Gilead’s Recreation Department and local businesses.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN7339SM.jpg147 Runners lean in at the mark of the Dash at Dusk 5K Race in Mount Gilead last Thursday. The annual event is sponsored by the Village of Mt. Gilead’s Recreation Department and local businesses.

Runners enjoy lemonade, ice cream and visiting with friends and family as they wait for the official times to be posted.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN7346.jpgRunners enjoy lemonade, ice cream and visiting with friends and family as they wait for the official times to be posted.

Several walkers followed runners in the 5 K race.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN7342.jpgSeveral walkers followed runners in the 5 K race.

Kids take off in the half mile “Fun Run” at Cherry Street in Mount Gilead.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN7330.jpgKids take off in the half mile “Fun Run” at Cherry Street in Mount Gilead.