The Third Annual Derby Dash 5K and Fun Walk was hosted at Derbyshire on Saturday, May 18.

Thanks to donations from the race sponsors and a supportive community, the Derby Dash was an incredible success. In spite of the rain storm that morning, the 5K and Fun Walk had over 90 participants, and over 150 people gathered for the Derby Dash Breakfast.

The Derby Dash 5K and Fun Walk was a fundraiser to benefit the Foothills Humane Society and Go Girls, a running club for fourth and fifth grade girls at Polk Central Elementary. Both groups were in attendance at the event. The Foothills Humane Society brought their “on the road team” along with several dogs that were available for adoption.

Donations were also taken this year to benefit the Polk County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Fund. They are currently raising funds for another drug dog following the loss of Officer Ronnie Russell’s K-9 partner, Trixie.

The 5K race course took runners around the private lake at Derbyshire and onto the equestrian trails in the community. Eighteen members of Go Girls completed the 5K Race this year.

In the spirit of the invitation to “Come Run, Walk, or Eat,” everyone enjoyed a delicious post-race breakfast provided by Good Life Catering of Greenville, S.C.

Following the breakfast, awards were distributed to the 5K overall and age group winners. 5K run participation certificates were also given to all members of Go Girls.

The overall male winner of the Derby Dash was 47-year-old Todd Walter, who finished with a time of 20:02.80. Jennifer Fisher, 32, was the overall female winner with a time of 21:42.90. Full results can be found on the website, www.DerbyDash5K.com.

The Derby Dash 5K and Fun Walk raised $2,200 for the Foothills Humane Society, Go Girls, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.

Derbyshire plans to continue this annual event and invites everyone to “Come Run, Walk, or Eat” again next May. Any questions regarding the Derby Dash 5K and Fun Walk can be sent to the race director, Jennifer Dennis, at info@DerbyDash5K.com.

– article submitted by Jennifer Dennis