ROSINTON, Ala. — With a cool, clear morning for running, more than 380 runners lined up to start the 2010 edition of the “Armadillo Dash” at March 6 at Rosinton Elementary School.

The “Dash,” a certified 5K course draws runners and walkers from all over the area and the 1K “Fun Run” also draws a number of people who just want to get out and stretch their legs or are not sure they can manage the 3.1 mile “5K” course.

Funds raised by the “Dash” are used to support the “Rosinton Runners,” a running club at the school. It’s unusual for an elementary school to have a running club, and the “Runners” take full advantage, appearing in local races. The Runners can be seen practicing on the paved quarter-mile track next to the school Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

According to Rosinton Principal Theresa Harden, it isn’t usual either for an elementary school to have a running track.

“We used to have to cut the grass in an oval where the track is now,” said Harden with a chuckle. The track is on property owned by the school, and Harden says that when schoolchildren aren’t using it, she sees people walking along the track.

It’s a great physical activity,” said Richard Paul, a science teacher at the school and director of the “Dash. ”The “Runners” are directed by another teacher, Patty Zakutney, and her assistants are, Heather Duncan, Sharron Forsman, and Paul.

“My first class of kindergartners asked me to come and run with them,” Zakutney said.

The race results are below. One of the youngest runners, Landon Elison, a fourth-grade student finished fourth overall, with a time of 23:48, beating most of the men in the race.

“I just ran,” said Ellison, looking just warmed-up as his elders puffed across the finish line.

Besides the run and the Fun Run, there was a “diaper crawl” for youngsters in the back of the school.

Actually, that should be a “diaper walk,” as most of the contestants were in that between-stage where they wear diapers but are terribly proud of their ability to walk. And walk they did, lured by friends and family members holding large balls. The balls served a prizes for the youngsters.

Then, it was time for the final event of the day, the Easter Egg Hunt. Armed with baskets and lots of determination, the youngest race goers lined up at the gate at the preschool playground. Many of the hundreds of eggs were in plain sight, but that did not stop the children from investigating every nook and cranny of the playground.

While the amount raised for the school hasn’t been determined, Harden seemed pleased with the turnout and the results.

“This is always a fabulous event,” she said.

And that sentiment was echoed by the children bouncing over, on, and through the inflatable attractions in the schools side yard.

“Mommy, watch this,” said one young race goer as he perched at the top of the inflatable slide.