Demon Dash returns this weekend

Washington will host its annual Demon Dash this weekend, with the 5k run and separate 1-mile obstacle course fundraisers benefiting the school district’s physical education department, Parent-Teacher Organization, and Washington County YMCA youth programs.

Event Coordinator Teri Hartzler said it would be the Demon Dash’s 14th year.

“It started out as trying to get kids more active and our whole community, because there really weren’t many races going on at the time,” she said. “We have a lot of families come out, people can bring their pet if they want … this is always a fun event and it’s going to be such a beautiful day, I just think it’s going to be a great time.”

Both courses open at 9 a.m. Saturday at the high school, and Hartzler said participants were welcome to run the obstacle course after finishing the longer race.

“People can do the 5k or the obstacle course, or they can do both if they want to,” Hartzler said. “It’s going to be a beautiful day, so we’ll be outside the whole time.”

Runners can also enjoy a free breakfast after the race, available at the school through the PTO.

Hartzler said runners of any age could register at the school district or Washington County Y websites, or show up to 8 a.m. in-person registration on the day of. Registration costs $25 for adults, $20 for students, or $70 for a family of four, plus $10 for each additional family member.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com