PHOTOS: Kirkwood 'Dashes' for St. Peter's

I walk over to the Saturday morning with sleep still occupying my eyes, then awakened after seeing the sea of runners fill the parking lot as they prepare for the St. Peter’s DASH 5K and Kids Fun Run. From probationers to professionals, participants gathered together to support St. Peter’s Catholic School.

With over 700 people racing, Kim Willi and Lila Kertz had their hands full organizing this grand event.

“This is a community event. It’s not just involving our school. It’s the whole Kirkwood community,” Willi said.

And the community is really what makes this event so special. Third place finisher Mark Spewak said, “It’s awesome how everyone comes on their lawns and cheers for you and everyone is so supportive.”

Though many people come to the DASH for fun, a few others join in for the spirit of competition. Second place finisher Brandon Janosky commented, “I love competition, so if you can combine [community and competition], then it’s a perfect mix.”

But a little friendly competition wasn’t enough for Janosky who was just a few seconds short of beating last year’s first place winner, Jason Difani.

“We only show up at a starting line together and I typically finish right behind him (Jason),” Janosky laughs.

And as I walked away from the festivities, I hear laughter, see community pride, and leave with a little taste of competition to savor until next year.