Costumed crowd pounds the pavement at 3rd annual Edmonds Police Foundation Holiday Dash

What started three years ago as a fun kick-off to the local holiday season has grown into a major community event. This year’s Edmonds Police Foundation fundraiser attracted an estimated 200 adults, kids and canines for a 5K run through downtown Edmonds, all to support a good cause.

“We had more than 150 preregistered,” said event organizer and Edmonds Police Foundation president Darlene Stern, as runners began gathering at the Civic Field Boys and Girls Club starting line. “But right now we’ve got a line out the door and down the street of folks looking to get in on the fun and sign up today. And just look at the costumes!”

Helping to get those muscles warmed up were a group of Lady Mavs from Meadowdale High School, who had the runners kicking up their heels with some energetic jumping jacks and stretching.

At the 9 a.m. starting whistle, the runners bounded out of the gate led by a police motorcycle. Police Explorers were stationed along the route to help ensure everyone stayed on course.

And it’s more than just fun. Entry fees from the run help support the Police Foundation’s goal of providing extra resources to local law enforcement to help them better assist the community. In the past this has included helping pay for and train police K-9 dogs, and purchasing special hi-intensity light bars for crime scene vehicles to aid in after-dark crime investigations.

“This year we hope to raise at least $4,000 to help add first aid equipment to police vehicles,” explained Stern. “Because police are usually first on the scene of an injury accident or crime, this could make the difference between life and death by allowing the officers to administer high-end first aid right away and get the victim stabilized while EMTs are still on the way.”

This year’s top finishers were:

1st – Issac Mohn

2nd – Tristan Mohn

3rd – Brian Hanchett

4th – Bridget Guerrero

5th – Cecilia Wroblewski

6th – C. Sargent

7th – Cole Mills

8th – Andrew Mendola

9th – Matthew Ralson

10th – Sam Guerrero

Race organizers offered special thanks to event sponsors First Financial Northwest Bank, Events Northwest, Uniquely Northwest Publications, My Edmonds News, Elemental Massage Therapy, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. And a big tip of the Santa hat to Cafe Louvre, Edmonds Bakery, Walnut Cafe, Red Twig, the Edmonds Theater and Starbucks for donating prizes and filling the snack table with everything from donuts to bananas to help keep the runners fueled.

— Story and photos by Larry Vogel

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Real first and last names — as well as city of residence — are required for all commenters.
This is so we can verify your identity before approving your comment.

By commenting here you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. Please read our code at the bottom of this page before commenting.