Community Readies for Darien Dash

Darien’s speediest runners will be lining up bright and early Sunday morning for the run and walk.

With the addition of a 10K this year to the 5K run and one-mile run/walk, the race has options for athletes of all levels.

“We’re excited to have an opportunity for more serious runners to participate,” said event co-chair, Steve Hynek.

But co-chair Jason Bishop said at its heart, the Darien Dash is a family event that’s a fun time for even the most casual walkers.

His own six-year-old daughter ran the mile last year, placing 10th out of 30 runners in the nine and younger age group.

“This year she said, ‘Daddy, I want to run the 5K! I can do that!’” Bishop said. “I told her, ‘I’m not quite sure about that.’”

While the 5K may still be a few years away for Bishop’s daughter, kids across Darien benefit from money raised during the event.

The Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the Dash, donates a $1,000 prize to the school with the largest number of participating teachers. The runner-up school gets $600, while the third place school gets $400. A $500 prize goes to the local youth organization with the most registered runners and walkers.

The rest of the funds raised go to support the chamber and its programming.

While the chance to race lures some participants, Bishop said “two-thirds of the people are out there to support a community event.”

Last year, about 460 racers took part in the event, according to race results.

With registration increasing every year, Hynek said he hopes the growth trend will continue this year.

Bishop said many people wait and register at the last minute once they know the weather forecast for the day. As many as 100 people will likely register for the Darien Dash on race day, he said.

“We’ve had perfect weather every year,” he said. “I hope that streak continues.”

As of now, forecasters are predicting highs in the mid-50s on Sunday, which Hynek said is an ideal temperature for racing.

“The weather is going to be cooler,” he said. “It’s perfect for runners—they love that.”

The first race kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Sunday at , 7100 Clarendon Hills Road. For more information or to register in advance, please visit dariendash.com.