The annual I-5 Toyota Back-to-School Dash will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Chehalis dealership located at 1950 NW Louisiana Ave.
The 5K path will follow the usual route out of the back of the I-5 Toyota, going by Riverside Golf Club and eventually returning to the dealership.
I-5 Toyota hosts the Back-to-School Dash each year in August following the first race that took place in 2006. Participants come from all around the Pacific Northwest to compete for their chance to win the 5K, which supports local school scholarships, according to the I-5 Toyota website.
The event is not exclusively a competitive run and can be enjoyed by the entire family. Many participants decide to walk and bring their kids, friends, relatives and even pets.
“The I-5 Dash is ultimately about encouraging a healthy lifestyle and coming together in support of our local youth and their education,” the I-5 Toyota website reads.
“All proceeds will go directly toward student scholarships at our local schools.”
Over the years, the I-5 Dash has donated over 150 scholarships to all high schools within Lewis and Thurston counties, with dollar amounts of the scholarships ranging from $250 to $5,000.
In recent years, the Dash has shifted its focus to technical and trade programs rather than four-year college programs.
“We saw a real deficit in scholarships for these types of students,” said Heidi Pehl, one of the event’s organizers. “This also ties in nicely with our partnership at W.F. West High School in helping to fund their I-5 Automotive Technician classroom.”
Registering in advance is encouraged, but not required. T-shirts are available with advance registration.
Registration fees include three options: $50 for an entire family’s participation, $25 for individuals and $15 for students. Family registration includes up to five members ages 14 and older. Children under 14 can run for free.
To register in advance and get a T-shirt, visit i-5dash.com/register/.
All shirts will be available for pickup on the day of the event during check-in. The cut and style of the shirt is unisex.
For more information, visit shorturl.at/lJ8A0.
“All are welcome and we love seeing families bring their kids and dogs. Running is not required, every year we see kids on bikes and lots of walkers,” Pehl said.
“When we started this community event we wanted to host something family friendly, open to anyone, and healthy!”
