CRESTVIEW — Davidson Middle School's Dash for a Cure on Saturday raised nearly $5,000 and attracted nearly 250 participants to the American Cancer Society benefit, according to event organizer Daniel Richards.
Richards is expected to present the check to the American Cancer Society at the school team's next Relay for Life meeting.
Runners of various ages participated in the 5k, 10k and fun run events. Cool weather didn't deter many of the runners from participating.
"We didn't question about coming out here today," said Burbidge, whose family of five participated in the 5k run.
"My wife (Kathryn) likes to sign us up for these races, and we know some people who are cancer survivors," he said.
Each Burbidge family members had the name of Charles Fowers written on a piece of paper attached to each's back.
"He was my best friend's father who died from cancer," Kathryn Burbidge said.
Many participants honored more than one individual; some had as many as four names written on their paper.
Inside the Davidson gymnasium, participants also wrote the names of close friends and family members affected by cancer.
Many participants ran for those currently battling cancer.
"I was running for my uncle Ron (Hessian); he was diagnosed (with lung cancer) a couple of weeks ago," Lauren Steele, 14, said. Steele and her family from Baker participated in the 5 K.
Others, like Crestview resident Andrea Ammons — who had her second kidney transplant last June — ran as a personal goal.
"After my transplant, I just wanted to get healthier," she said. "It was a goal of mine to run a 5K within the first year (of my transplant)."
Although her transplant wasn't cancer related, Ammons said she can relate to what cancer patients go through.
"Its been a very, very long road," she said. "I was on dialysis for three years."
"I always want to run for a good cause, especially with my situation," Ammons said. "I think it's really important to raise money to find cures for people who suffer.
Tyler Mitchell, 18, a recent Crestview High School graduate, took first place in the men's 5k run.
"It's always good to know that you are running for a cause and not just running for the fun of it," Mitchell, whose grandfather died from cancer, said.
The 5k and 10k occurred at the same time, with two routes near the school. The Dash event included a fun run.
Event organizers gave door prizes and awards — including commemorative drinking glasses, folding camping chairs and T-shirts — to those who placed first through third in the multiple categories.
Local businesses also donated to the event, including gift certificates and hats.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Davidson Dash raises $5K for American Cancer Society research (Gallery)