January 20th Dream Dash and 5K to Benefit Extra Special People

By Ally Geronimo

Family fun, a great workout and community service could go hand-in-hand this Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service with the 4th annual ML5K. 

On Jan. 20, Extra Special People (ESP) will host the Fourth Annual ML5K and Dream Dash, benefiting ESP's summer camp and after-school programs for children and young adults with developmental disabilities. The run kicks off at 3 p.m., from Dudley Park in Athens, goes through the park, down MLK Boulevard and will finish at the park with a full hot chocolate bar & biscuits. Last year's race drew over 400 runners and ESP hopes for an even bigger turn out! 

Registration for the 5k is $20 now through race day and includes a long sleeve t-shirt (as available for race day registration). Registration is available online You can also register on Monday, at the event, beginning at 1 p.m. Awards will be presented to overall male/female, overall male/female masters, and the top three runners in age groups beginning with 10-and-under and through 75-and-over.

ESP would like to encourage all runners, walkers, and community members to come out early and support the Dream Dash at 2:30 p.m. The Dream Dash is short run/walk prior to the 5k in honor of the children with special needs who attend ESP. All children are invited to participate! Registration for the Dream Dash is $10 and includes a long sleeve t-shirt and a medal!

Race sponsors are Athens Ford, Central Presbyterian Church Youth Ministry,  North East Sales Distributing, Waugh and Allen Orthodontics, and Athens Orthopedic Clinic, with additional thanks to sponsors  Zaxby's, Uniforms Unlimited, Global Escapes, Southern Protective Group, Bella Salon, Taylor Made Smiles, Flawless Finish, Athens Family Vision, McDonald's Watkinsville, Bojangles, Fleet Feet Sports of Athens, WasteAway Services, Athens-Oconee Parent Magazine, Shirtworks, Menchies, Oconee Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, North Oconee Dental, Frameworks Unlimited, and Trader Joes.