I signed up for the cowbells but I’ll be back for the community.
This fun and fast 5K takes runners and walkers through downtown Elise, Michigan during the Elise Dairy Festival. Beginning at 7:30 a.m. to beat the summer heat, this fun and energetic race is great for all ages and levels of participants.
One of my favorite things about the Elise Dairy Dash is that runners and walkers were treated as separate divisions – meaning those who sign up to run and those who sign up to walk aren’t competing with each other. There are separate awards for both. I love this concept and wish more races did this.
The Elise Dairy Dash Course
The course is completely paved and 100% road. There is plenty of room for politely passing others or for people to run side by side with a friend.
It starts and ends in downtown Elise and takes participants on a journey through the small town. It is very flat with merely 10 feet of total ascent.
Goodies
All finishers received a cowbell. For me, that was enough of a reason to sign up. I love my cowbell.
All participants had the option of adding a t-shirt to their registration. I opted out.
The overall winner trophies were also on point with the race theme. They were these really cool old-fashion style milk jars with the Elise Dairy Dash design etched onto them.
The top 3 finishers of each age group (male/female, runner/walker) received a cool medal. These were handmade and hand-painted by the very dedicated race director. If you are someone who chooses their races based on how unique the medals are, this is certainly one to not pass up.
Overall
This race attracts members of the running community who are passionate about running and love supporting others. Their encouragement for those participating, whether running or walking, is why I highly recommend this race.
While the course may not have been scenic like other races I have done, the people who put this event on, the volunteers who show up to help, and the great community that participates truly make it a one-of-a-kind 5K.
For more information, visit RunSignUp.