Dragon Dash Makes Benefit Run a Full Family Event

For runners and walkers, it's a multifaceted approach to doing a handful of good deeds all in one shot Sunday - help feed the hungry, get some exercise, laugh and play with the dragon and more - at the Dragon Dash 5K Run/Walk and kids 400 meter dash.

This fun run begins at 9 a.m. will feature a scenic course winding through River Hills and won't be officially timed. There will also be a food drive to benefit Feeding America.

“It is so exciting,” said Jean Bernstein, who co-chairs the run with Pam Schefernan. Bernstein is also vice president of the PTO for the Maple Dale Indian Hill School District.

“It’s going to be held at out on the playground and then the 5K Run/Walk will go through River Hills. So, it’s going to be beautiful. The leaves are already starting to change so it’s gorgeous.”

The two ladies, who are both runners, got the idea for this event when they ran in the.

“Usually, these events are just a run,” said Bernstein. “Then we went to the Bayside Cupcake Run and just loved it because they made it a family event with activities afterwards. We thought, ‘This is such a great idea. We should do it for our school.’ They were very gracious and told us how to put it together.”

Following the Dragon Dash, there will be a giant party featuring a DJ from Chicago, IL. and food and drinks donated by , , Trader Joe’s and .

“We’ve got bounce houses, chair massages, face painting and it’s just amazing,” said Bernstein. “It’s just going to be a fun, family event and we’re so excited."

All proceeds from the event will benefit the PTO and Educational Foundation for special in-class programming, educational field trips, outdoor education, free and reduced cost programs and family-oriented extracurricular activities. Bernstein said one of the programs the money will go towards is an outdoor educational program by David Stokes, former director of education at the .

"He is wonderful and he teaches kids about plant biology, tracking animals in the snow, and going on nature hikes in the fall,” Bernstein said.

So far, about 400 people have already signed up for the Dragon Dash and organizers are anticipating another 100 will sign up on the day of the run/walk. Runners can register at online here. It's $25 for adults, $15 for kids (JK – 17), or $65 for an entire family (up to 6 people).