Bulldog strong - Over 400 rally for Dash after storm

Participants take off at the start of the Bulldog Dash at Schoen-dienst Park.    Kyler Ribbing was the winner of the 5K race during the Bulldog Dash.There was an increased amount of participation in the annual Bulldog Dash at Schoendienst Park in Germantown on Friday, May 1.
    There were a combined 400 runners in the 5K and 2K races. That is up a little bit from last year.
    With the increased participation also came a lot of money raised from the event. Organizers still don't have a final number of monies raised from the event, but currently they are over $33,000.
    The money donated goes straight back to the kids and classrooms at Germantown Elementary School. Technology is always changing and upgrading and the funds raised help Germantown Elementary to stay up to speed with the upgrades needed year and year.
    "The businesses and families that show up year after year to support the Bulldog Dash is always heartwarming," organizer Michelle Winkeler said.Carl Beer took second place in the 5K race at the Bulldog Dash.
    Winkeler said they have a great Bulldog Dash committee, and everyone takes ownership in their responsibilities and steps in if help is needed. That is the reason the event runs so smoothly year after year.
    "I truly appreciate the moms that make up this committee," Winkeler said.
    Cassie Barr, who has children at Germantown Elementary School and is a partner with UBGreensfelder, was the diamond sponsor this year. She has supported the Bulldog Dash for years and this year stepped up to be the big sponsor.
    "We appreciate her continued support along with the many other businesses that support us year after year," Winkeler said.
    The status of this year's Bulldog Dash was in question after a tornado came through Germantown on Monday, April 27, and caused damage at Schoendienst Park. Winkeler said the Tuesday morning after the tornado, she didn't even think about the Bulldog Dash as everyone was so involved with helping the school and areas of damage. She said Germantown has a great community that steps up in the time of need and they didn't even have to worry about not being ready for the Bulldog Dash.
    The Bulldog Dash has turned into a family fun run. They still have a timer so kids can time their run, but parents and grandparents walk with their kids and grandkids.Bulldog Dash finish line!
    The Kernel Nut Club grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Excel Bottling and Donnewald Distributing provided soft drinks. Slots and Scoops gave each child who signed up a free ice cream cone.
    Poettker Construction employees signed up as a team-building event.
    "We love the support these businesses give for these kids," Winkeler said. "The committee thanks everyone who supported the Bulldog Dash this year. It is everyone's support that makes this event such a fun, family friendly celebration."
    Germantown student Kyler Ribbing defended his 5K championship, winning the race in a time of 19:29.
    Carl Beer was runner-up and Chris Hemker was third. Members of the Bulldog Dash committee pose for a photo with diamond sponsor Cassie Barr, a partner with UBGreensfelder.