Armadillo Dash set for March 3 at Rosinton School

By John Underwood / john@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 2/28/18

ROSINTON, Alabama — Can you dig it?

Rosinton School will host its 13th annual Armadillo Dash 5K and fun run Saturday, March 3 at the school on County Road 64, east of Loxley.

The Armadillo …

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Armadillo Dash set for March 3 at Rosinton School

Posted

ROSINTON, Alabama — Can you dig it?

Rosinton School will host its 13th annual Armadillo Dash 5K and fun run Saturday, March 3 at the school on County Road 64, east of Loxley.

The Armadillo Dash started out as a major fundraiser for the Rosinton Runners, a group started 14 years ago by science teacher Lonnie Hughes and currently sponsored by physical education teacher Whitney Stephens. Now funds raised from the event benefit the entire school.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Andy Benton, who is now in his fourth year as the school’s principal. “Funding for all of our athletic and academic programs begins right here with this one event. It is just a great community event for the whole family.”

The Rosinton Runners group, which is open to students in grades 4 to 6, meets for practice every Thursday from 2:30 to 3 p.m. with the goal of participating in about one 5K run per month, Stephens said. Club members are required to participate in three events throughout the school year, one of which is the Armadillo Dash. Each year more than 300 runners participate in the event.

“We average about 50 to 55 runners per year in our club,” Stephens said. “Since I’ve been here, probably about 500 runners have come through the club.”

Pre-registration forms are available at the school and can be mailed back to the school at 19757 County Road 64, Robertsdale, AL 36567 (make checks payable to Rosinton School) or register on active.com.

Time is running out for early pre-registration, which must be postmarked by Feb. 23. Cost is $15 for students, $20 for adults. You can still register after Feb. 23 at a cost of $20 for students, $25 for adults. Registration and packet pickup will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 2 and from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, in the Rosinton School gym. 5K/Walk begins at 9 a.m., fun run starts at 10 a.m. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place female and male overall and walkers, medals will be awarded for first, second and third place female and male in nine age groups from 0-7 to 36-40, plus Masters, Grandmasters and Senior Grandmasters; and to first, second and third place fun run participants. Participation ribbons will be awarded to all participants.

The 5K race features a sanctioned 3.2-mile road course through the rural terrain of the Rosinton Community which is mostly flat with a few small hills. A 1-mile fun run will be held immediately following the 5K run at approximately 9:45 a.m. Next year, Stephens said, she is working on getting certification for a 10K course.

This year’s event includes 35 sponsors, Stephens said, including pizza, provided by Rotollo’s, and biscuits, provided by Chick-fil-a. There will also be soft drinks and popcorn for sale.

In addition to the race, there will be a cake walk, a silent auction with themed baskets as a fundraiser for each classroom, an inflatable and entertainment provided by a local DJ.

“We just want to thank all of our sponsors and the community for coming out and helping with this event. This truly is a great community event and the community really does step up and help out,” Stephens said. Particular thanks goes to volunteers with the Rosinton Fire Department, who help with the set up and course safety, along with the town of Loxley and city or Robertsdale for helping to sponsor the event.

Proceeds from the event will go toward making campus-wide improvements at the school, Stephens said.

For more information contact Stephens, wstephens@bcbe.org, or call the school at 251-964-5210.