ROSINTON — Rosinton School will host its 11^th annual Armadillo Dash 5K and fun run March 5 at the school on County Road 64, east of Loxley.

The Armadillo Dash serves as a major fundraiser for the Rosinton Runners, a group started 11 years ago by science teacher Lonnie Hughes and currently sponsored by physical education teacher Whitney Stephens.

“This is just a great family-friendly event,” Stephens said. “We want to invite everyone to come out and participate.”

The group boasts more than 60 members and meets for practice every Thursday from 2:30 to 3 p.m.

Runners participate in about one 5K run per month, Stephens said. At its races in December and February, the Rosinton Runners boasted the most school participants. Club members are required to participate in three events throughout the school year, one of which is the Armadillo Dash. Each year more than 300 runners participate in the event.

This year’s run will also be dedicated to 9-month-old Tenley Norman, the daughter of Jordan and Tina Norman of Loxley.

Tenley has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing six weeks of treatment at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston. Her grandmother, Robin Hughen, is a first grade teacher at Rosinton School.

You can also donate by visiting gofundme.com/upnd7e2s. For more information visit Tenley’s Prayer Warriors Page on Facebook or caringbridge.org/visit/tenleysprayerwarriors.

Armadillo Dash registration forms are available at the school or online at active.com/robertsdale-al/running/distance-running-races/armadillo-dash-5k-run-walk-2016. Anyone wishing for more information can call Stephens at 251-964-5210.

Registration forms are also available at bcbe.org/rosinton or visit the Rosinton Elementary’s Armadillo Dash page on Facebook for more information.

Late registration is $20 for students, $25 for adults. Registration and packet pick-up will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 4 in the gym at Rosinton School and from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 5.

The 5K race will begin at 9 a.m. with trophies awarded for first, second and third place male and female overall finishers, Masters (41-50), Grandmasters (51-60), Senior Grandmasters (61-plus) and walkers. Medals will be awarded for the first, second and third place male and female overall finishers in nine age groups ranging from 0-7 to 36-40. Ribbons will be awarded for first through fifth place overall male and female fun run finishers.

The 5K race features a sanctioned 3.2-mile road course through the rural terrain of the Rosinton Community which is mostly flat with a few small hills.

A 1-mile fun run will be held immediately following the 5K run at approximately 9:45 a.m.

There will also be inflatables for kids and a silent auction featuring baskets provided by each teacher. Proceeds raised from the sale of each basket will benefit that classroom, Stephens said.

There will also be plenty of food and drinks available.