BAY MINETTE, Alabama — The Delta Dash challenged the heart, body and soul Saturday of nearly 500 runners in Stockton.

This 5K-plus obstacle course mud run was hosted by the Young Professionals of the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce in Bay Minette.

The idea of the Delta Dash was born over a year ago among the Young Professionals in an effort to encourage younger people to get involved in the community.

Chris Yokley and Kimberly Cain co-chaired the event which came to life last Saturday.

Thomas Steele, 13, from Bay Minette, won first  place over all with a time of 34:28, while Tracy Coffin-Werner of Spanish Fort won first place in the women’s division with a time of 40:18. These two first place winners were awarded the much coveted Bronze Gator Trophy.

The event raised over $19,000 that will benefit the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and fund a new Scholarship Program that will be run by the Young Professionals and awarded to local high school seniors.

“The Delta Dash was a huge success,” said Ashley Jones, executive NBCC assistant. “Kimberly and Chris did an amazing job organizing the event. Also, we can’t thank our volunteers enough for all of their help.

“Our hope is to continue the Delta Dash and make each year bigger and better. The funds raised will not only benefit the community of North Baldwin, but will help many local high school seniors who are wanting to further their education. “We are excited and amazed by this year’s event and we are already planning for twice as many runners next year.”