I would like to thank the community of Austin for supporting the 2013 Darren Dash on May 11.

It is amazing to see a community come together to support a wonderful event that will provide scholarships for senior cross country runners at Austin High School and Pacelli High School, as well as provide funds to Desperate Tear’s mission of suicide awareness. An event of this magnitude can’t happen without several volunteers, which this year included over 70 volunteers. I would also like to thank the 20 corporate sponsors this year.

Our Gold level sponsors included the following: Ameriprise-Davis, Thoen, Kramer & Associates, Excel Fitness, Games People Play, Lewis Physical Therapy, and Steve Justice State Farm Insurance.

Our Bronze level sponsors included: Austin Daily Herald, Austin Park and Recreation Department, Coca Cola, Desperate Tears, Eagles, Gymocha, Hy-Vee, Innovative Signs, Moline Awards, Muzik’s Muddin, Overby Orthodontics, Rent n Save, Super Fresh, and Y Waste Management.

I would also like to give a special thank you to Dan Urlich and Hank Nemitz for leading the half marathon and 5K races on their bicycles. This year’s event included 190 5K runners/walkers, 60 half marathoners, and approximately 30 kiddie runners. Results of the race can be accessed at: www.darrendash.org and clicking on race results.

One more thank you to Mark and Garrett Jenkins of Record Pace Timing for doing such a great job with our chip timing and getting fast and accurate results for us. We look forward to many more years of the Darren Dash and will always being looking to make each year an even bigger and better event.

 

Scott Lewis,

Austin