2023 Disaster Dash

Thank you for supporting the 4th Annual Disaster Dash!

Together, we raised $5,500!

See all race times & top finishers by time & age posted on RunSignUp (big thanks to Agee Race Timing Service) or scroll further down to see some of our favorite race moments! Photography courtesy of Michelle Rohlman.

***For immediate release: Sep. 29, 2023***

The 4th Annual Disaster Dash 5K completed another successful event on September 16th, 2023 in Little Rock. Over 100 runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants of all ages and abilities gathered at the beautiful Arkansas River Trail at Murray Park to take part in the community event benefitting victims of natural disaster. 

This year’s special guests included Zachary Hall, Arkansas Storm Chaser, and Dennis Cavanaugh, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with NOAA’s National Weather Service of Little Rock. Each offered an exciting glimpse into the unique roles they play to help keep Arkansans safe through weather awareness. 

Thanks to registrations, sponsorships, and donations, this year’s event raised $5,500 to support volunteer organizations who are first on the scene following natural disasters. 

Event organizers wish to extend their deepest thanks to the volunteers who generously gave their time & energy to make the event successful, and to the many supporters who contributed through sponsorships, donations, door prize merchandise, race supplies, and much more. 

Race results, finish line videos, and photos are available on the Disaster Dash website, and everyone is invited to follow the race pages on Facebook & Instagram. Contact race director Dana Parten with questions at disasterdash5k@gmail.com.

The Disaster Dash is a fundraiser for the Jannette Wells Jaco Memorial Endowment, an Arkansas Community Foundation fund. Its mission is to advocate weather safety awareness and raise funds for victims of natural disasters, while building an all-inclusive community event.

RACE DAY PHOTOS

Big thanks to Michelle Rohlman for our Race Day photos! To browse all of Saturday’s photos, visit this page: https://disasterdash.com/photo-album/2023-disaster-dash/

Apple’s Finish

We would like to take a moment to celebrate an especially wonderful moment from our race!

This is Apple (pictured left at finish line), one of our wheelchair participants with Richard Vaughn, a Disaster Dash supporter & avid marathoner who uses his athletic goals to help inspire & motivate others.

After many months of training & coaching from Richard, Apple was finally able to cross the 5k finish line at this year’s Disaster Dash – a moment that touched all our hearts & raised our spirits!

“Apple’s first went about 100 yards. On his second, he got to mile 1 and needed her help getting back.

On this, his third, he started to turn around at mile 1 but decided he was GOING to finish. He did the entire 3.1. (He still hasn’t “come down” – so elated is he!) 

I’ve been training him on weights for 2 years. He had hoped, at the start, to live long enough to see his daughter go to college.

As motivated as he is, doing all I ask of him at the gym, he will likely see his grandchildren get to college!”

Richard Vaughn https://rvaughnmarathon.com

OUR DEEPEST THANKS

Special Guests:

GOLD Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

Supporting sponsors &
Special Thanks:

Lyndsey Dilks, Emcee
Cesar Todd, Race Leader
Archelon Studios
Athleta
Fleet Feet Little Rock
Food Giant
Harp’s Food
Kroger
Rush Running

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