13TH ANNUAL DARREN DASH

JULY 6TH | 2024
8:30am

This year, the 13th Annual Darren Dash will be teaming up with the Freedom Fest 5k

First 150 registrants receive a t-shirt and all registrants receive a wrist band. First Place plaques to first male and female finishers

ATTENTION!

Due to flooding, the start of the race and registration is being moved to the following location:

The Northeast corner of Todd Park - by the soccer fields 11th Street & 21st Ave NE
Austin, MN 55912

This 13th annual event will honor the life of Austin native and running enthusiast, Darren Lewis. (1973-2011) The race will start at 8:00 am. Water stops and post race refreshments will be provided for all participants. Proceeds from this event will go to a scholarship fund for Austin Cross Country runners and for programs committed to improving mental and physical health in the community. Darren Dash has given out over $33,000 in scholarships to date. Thank you for your support. Please contact us with any questions or comments. Packet pick up will be the morning of the race from 6:30 – 7:45 am at Rotary Centennial Park (307 8th Ave SE, Austin, MN 55912).

 

Darren Michael Lewis was an amazing man who was loved by more people than he ever knew.  He inspired so many of us through his life long passion for running, his work ethic, his commitment to family, and his undeniable ability to live life to the fullest.  The third of four children, he was born in Austin, MN.  He was the youngest Minnesotan to run Grandma’s Marathon at the age of nine years. He went on to compete at the high school level and ultimately became a solid competitor on the Mankato State Cross Country team.  He was a strong, intelligent student and earned a double major in psychology and business.  Post college, he returned to Austin and started a successful painting business.  Its hard to find a building or home in Austin that has not been touched by Darren’s steady hand.  Darren was always up for a challenge and seeking out adventures, whether it was a summer in Colorado, an impromptu camping trip, a tropical vacation, or joining a summer kickball league, but he found his true passion when he took on the role of father.  He will always be remembered doting on his beautiful children and making every moment and memory with them count.  Darren left this world far too soon, but his infectious smile lives on through his children and he will live in our hearts forever.



Our mission is to provide charitable contributions to assist in the promotion of physical and mental health to the community of Austin, MN.

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!

GOLD

BRONZE

Scholarship Winners

2013

Madeline Kraemer

Andrew Baker

Clyde Carver

Och udo Cham

Olive McDermott

2014

Carter Steichen

Holden Ourada

Kaitlin Einertson

Keely Zynda

2015

Payton Lewis

Sarah Willrodt

Madison Overby

Ben Walker

Hannah Nelson

Jacob Kraemer

2016

Anna Schara

Zeke Peters

Joseph Kroyman

Miranda Bregeman

Annaliese Oderman

Nathan Drees

2017

Brooke Goligowski

Paiton Schwab

Cennideigh Paters

Mitchell Mayer

2018

Ryan Walters

Jacey Hansen

Abby Lewis

Brock Lawhead

Morgan Hose

Sam Keenan

Henry Hinchcliffe

Eleanor Hinchcliffe

Kayla Christopherson

2019

Rory Bickler

Jacob Venenga

Jack Staben

Kelley Kusick

Aaron Knoll

2020

Alex Petrik

Blake Petrik

Jackson Marsh

Micha Weber

Jayden Lewis

Andrew Neitzel

2021

Kaden Murley

Nadia Vaughn

Kyle Mayer

Jackson Barry

2022

Joe Garry

William Clinefelter

Joseph Hilkin

Thomas Herrick

Cassidy Shute

2023

Riley Ferguson

Grace Vortherms

Lillyan Wiese

Jack Klingfus