In Focus: I-5 Back to School Dash Raises Money for Chehalis Scholarships

Jack McDurmon checks his watch as he approaches the finish line for the I-5 Toyota Back to School Dash 5k Fun Run/Walk in Chehalis on Saturday. McDurmon placed first overall and was awarded first place in the Male 14 & Under category. His brother, John McDurmon, placed second overall and was awarded first place in the Male 15-19 category.

Walkers with strollers start the I-5 Toyota Back to School Dash 5k Fun Run/Walk in Chehalis on Saturday.

A volunteer encourages I-5 Toyota Back to School Dash 5k Fun Run/Walk participants along the route in Chehalis on Saturday.

Medals for the first-second and third place winners in each gender and age category in the I-5 Toyota Back to School Dash 5k Fun Run/Walk sit on display in Chehalis on Saturday. “Participants come from all around the Pacific Northwest to compete for their chance to win the I-5 Dash!” Said I-5 Toyota in promotional material for the 5k. “Not everyone turns this into a competitive run though, this event can be enjoyed by the entire family.”

French Fry, carried by his human, Sierra Burton, at I-5 Toyota’s dealership in Chehalis, is the only feline participant of the I-5 Toyota Back to School Dash 5k Fun Run/Walk on Saturday.

W.F. West cheerleaders embrace during the I-5 Toyota Back to School Dash 5K Fun Run/Walk in Chehalis on Saturday.

Messages from past graduating classes of W.F. West line the interior of the inflatable gate that served as the starting point and finish line for the I-5 Toyota Back to School Dash 5K Fun Run/Walk in Chehalis on Saturday. Proceeds from the event fund student scholarships at local Chehalis schools.

A W.F. West cheerleader supports runners approaching the finish line for the I-5 Toyota Back to School Dash Fun Run/Walk in Chehalis on Saturday.

A sign advertises the I-5 Toyota Back to School Dash 5K Fun Run/Walk in Chehalis on Saturday. Proceeds from the event fund student scholarships at local Chehalis schools. “The I-5 Dash is ultimately about encouraging a healthy lifestyle and coming together in support of our local youth and their education,” wrote I-5 Toyota in promotional material for the event.