ROSINTON, Ala. — If you hear about an “Armadillo Dash,” March 6 no, it’s not armored mammals running across the highway.

But, yes, running is involved.

It’s the annual “Armadillo Dash,” a fundraiser for the “Rosinton Runners” club and other needs at Rosinton Elementary School.

According to Richard Paul, a sixth grade teacher at Rosinton, and the coordinator of the Rosinton Runners. The band of about 75 fourth-through sixth grade students meet twice a week after school to run.

“The students like to run,” said Paul. The Runners are one of the few elementary-age running clubs in the area. While the Runners try their best, they have been urged to slow down and walk if they become tired during the 5K ( a little over 3 mile) run. The course has been “certified” and times on it count for records and standings, Paul says.

The run leaves from the school at 19757 County Road 64 at 9 a.m. Registration begins at the school at 7:30 a.m. A “Fun Run” begins at 10 a.m. The course, which is mostly flat, starts from beside the school, heads out onto 64, and turns onto County Road 62 and County Road 71 before returning to County Road 64. As with years past, the Sherif’s Office will dispatch an officers to make sure the route is clear of traffic.

Registration is $20 per runner, but there are student, group and family discounts available. Runners who register by Feb. 25 are guaranteed race t-shirts. It’s $10 per person to enter the “Fun Run.”

There is more to do after the race. The school’s annual “Spring Fling” begins after 10 a.m. and offers a number of activities for youngsters, a silent auction and entertainment for all.

Runners compete for awards. There will be prizes for top male, female and overall winners. Juniors, Masters, Grand Masters and Senior Grand masters will also receive awards.

For more information, call the school at 964-5210. The run has attracted more than 500 runners in past years.

The event was founded several years ago by Lonny Hughes, a former teacher at the school who used a grant from a running shoe company to raise money to support the Runners. The event was so successful, the school decided to make the run an annual event.

“This really connects the school to the community,” said Paul. “It exposes the students to a professional running atmosphere.”