Young Life, a Christian youth ministry, hosted the third annual Dawson Dash, a 5K race, at Rock Creek Park Sept. 20, with 108 runners participating.

The event raised more than $5,000. All proceeds will be deposited into the local Young Life budget and help cover administrative and program expenses, which includes the Young Life ministry for Dawson County High School students, Wyld Life, the ministry for Dawson County Middle School and Riverview Middle School students, and the College Life leadership training program at North Georgia College & State University.

The male and female winners of the Dawson Dash were Jordan Emmorey, 26, from Alpharetta, who completed the race in 18 minutes and 23 seconds and Taylor Long, 13, finished the race in 21 minutes and seven seconds. Long attends West Hall Middle School and runs on her school’s cross country team.

“This is the biggest turnout yet,” said Shawn Dutcher, area director of Young Life. “We broke the 100-runner mark.”

This year, 30 more runners raced in the Dawson Dash than last year.

Dutcher looks forward to continuing to host the Dawson Dash event for years to come.

“So many of the runners gave such positive feedback. Many said they would definitely run next year,” he said.

This is one of three fundraisers Young Life holds each year.  The next fundraiser, The Annual Young Life Banquet, will be held Oct. 28.

“This is a time that we celebrate with the community, communicate all that is happening with the Young Life ministry in Dawson, and helps us to raise funding for the ministry,” said Dutcher.

Young Life is an international youth ministry that reaches out to middle school and high school students.  Young Life and Wyld Life leaders go to where kids are and build relationships.  Young Life, the high school ministry, has been in Dawson County for five years, Wyld Life, the middle school ministry, just started up with the current school year.

Although Young Life is a Christian-based ministry, the group opens it’s meetings and clubs to anyone.

“Our clubs are open for anyone. It’s a fun place for kids to come, have fun with their friends and have a positive impact in their community,” said Dutcher.

For more information about Young Life or Wyld Life, contact Dutcher at (706) 265-6510.