Donut Dash to bolster bond between police, children

The Winter Garden Police Athletic League is hosting a Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk early Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves. Check-in begins at 6:15 a.m., the 5K kicks off at 8, and a mini fun run for children is at 9. The three-quarter-mile kids’ run is free with a paid adult.

Participants have a couple of options when running or walking this Donut Dash. It can be run like a regular 5K, or runners can stop at one of two “donut zones” for a sugary treat. Every doughnut eaten in these zones will take 30 seconds off the run time. So, if a runner eats four pastries, two minutes will be deleted from the final time. Anyone who eats a dozen or more doughnuts will receive an additional bonus of one minute per doughnut over 12 taken off.

Medals will be provided to all finishers, and additional medals will be given for the best doughnut costume. There will be a special police, fire and rescue relay category, as well.

In addition to the course run, attendees can visit Knightro from the University of Central Florida, Crush from Winter Garden Squeeze, McGruff the Crime Dog, Sparky the Fire Dog, Baymax from “Big Hero 6” and Minions. Live music will entertain the crowd.

For more about the Police Athletic League, visit wgpal.org.

IF YOU GO

DONUT DASH 5K RUN/WALK

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 17. Check-in begins at 6:15 a.m., the 5K kicks off at 8, and a mini fun run for children is at 9. 

WHERE: Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves, 3251 Daniels Road, Winter Garden

REGISTRATION: To register online, visit active.com and search Donut Dash. The cost is $35. Participants also can sign up the day of the event. 

INFORMATION: Andrew Raphael, (407) 656-3636, Ext. 4017, or [email protected].

BUILDING THE BOND

Winter Garden Police Athletic League is based on the conviction that young people — if they are reached early enough — can develop strong positive attitudes towards police officers in their journey through life toward the goal of maturity and good citizenship. The PAL program brings youth under the supervision and positive influence of a law enforcement agency and expands public awareness about the role of a police officer and the reinforcement of the responsible values and attitudes instilled in young people by their parents.

The National Association of Police Athletics/Activities Leagues Inc. is based in Jupiter. It was formed more than 70 years ago with six chapters. Today, there are more than 400 PAL member chapters in law-enforcement agencies serving ore than 700 cities and 1,700 facilities in the U.S.

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at [email protected].