HOLMES BEACH – The Dolphin Dash begins on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 8 a.m. at Anna Maria Elementary School (AME), 4700 Gulf Drive, with a 5K run timed and sanctioned by the Bradenton Runners Club.
The runners go through residential neighborhoods with traffic control by the Holmes Beach Police Department.
Afterward, there’s a one-mile “fun run” where all the runners are acknowledged. Proceeds from the Dash go to the AME PTO.
Physical education teacher Terri Ruise trains some of the students at school for the Dash and fun run, with help from art teacher Gary Wooten.
The race is open to all ages and awards go to male and female finishers as well as the top three finishers in each age group. Ten awards are given in the 9 and under age group to encourage and reward the kids who participate.
Kelly Gitt is the coordinator for the PTO and she had praise for the support from the Bradenton Runners Club.
“They’ve been super supportive in getting permits and the police protection,” she said. “They have also been a big help in getting the medals.”
Gitt said she would like to find a sponsor who could provide snacks and liquid refreshments for the runners.
She said participants can sign up at the school and at the Bradenton Runners Club on Facebook.
“The cost is $35 per person or there is a group discount for 20 or more, to encourage runners from other schools,” she said.
Call Gitt at 941-357-4488 to become a sponsor or volunteer.
