ROSINTON, Alabama --- More than 300 residents are expected to be “Running for Their Lives,” on Saturday, March 9 when the Rosinton Runners host the 8th Annual Armadillo Dash 5K and Fun Run at Rosinton School on County Road 64, east of Loxley.

The group, started eight years ago by science teacher Lonnie Hughes, currently sponsored by physical education teacher Whitney Stevens, boasts more than 60 members, said Principal Dr. Teresa Hardin. The club meets for practice every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 to 3 p.m. and participates in races throughout the year. Half of the cost is paid for by the parents, the other half through fundraisers.

“This is a big fundraiser for us and it’s an opportunity to reach out to the community and local businesses,” Hardin said.

The Armadillo Dash is the club’s largest fundraiser with over 250 participants already signed up for this year. While the deadline for early registration has already passed, it’s not too late to register.

You can register all the way up to the day of the race, Hardin said. Registration costs $20 for adults, $15 for students. Registration forms are available at the school, and anyone wishing more information can call 251-964-5210.

The 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.

Immediately following the race, Rosinton School will host its annual Spring Fling and silent auction in the cafeteria and library.

Events such as an obstacle course, an Armadillo Egg Hunt and Armadillo Crawl (for children 3 and under) will be available, along with games for all ages, arts and crafts booths, food and baked goods.

There will also be a silent auction with items donated by parents and local businesses, Hardin said. Each class at the school will also auction off a basket, Hardin said.

Hardin said she wanted to thank the more than 30 sponsors who participate each year in the event.

This year’s sponsors include United Bank, Alabama Metal Fabricators Inc., Baldwin EMC, RoadID, Coca-Cola, Campbell Hardware, Baldwin Tractor and Equipment, Kubota Tractor dealer; Robertsdale Rotary Club, Central Baldwin Chiropractic Center, Dr. Brian Pierce; Racine’s Feed and Garden Supply, Byrd Air Heating and Air Conditioning, D & D Quality Services, Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration; Monsanto, Celebrations and Country Convenience, Allstate, agent Jacque Mixon; W & W Floording Design, Chiropractic Associates, Dr. Keith Cooper; Bay Wood Products, Chick-fil-A, Stastka Insurance Inc., Dennis Stastka; Agri-AFC, K & L Repairs, Mellow Mushroom, Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, Regions Bank, UTC Aerospace Systems, Young’s Cabinet Shop, Cain’s Piggly Wiggly Cost Plus and Bill Patterson Construction Inc.

She also wanted to express her appreciation for the local fire departments, including Rosinton, Styx River and Gateswood, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department and the Baldwin County Commission for their support of the race, and a special thanks to Dr. Keith Cooper, who serves each year as the race official.