ROSINTON, Alabama — Hundreds of runners turned out for the 12th annual Armadillo Dash 5K and fun run March 4 at Rosinton School on County Road 64, east of Loxley.

The Armadillo Dash serves as a major fundraiser for the Rosinton Runners, a group started 11 years ago by science teacher Lonnie Hughes and currently sponsored by physical education teacher Whitney Stephens.

The group meets for practice every Thursday from 2:30 to 3 p.m. and runners participate in about one 5K run per month, Stephens said. Club members are required to participate in three events throughout the school year, one of which is the Armadillo Dash. Each year more than 300 runners participate in the event.

Trophies were awarded for first, second and third place male and female overall finishers, Masters (41-50), Grandmasters (51-60), Senior Grandmasters (61-plus) and walkers. Medals were awarded for the first, second and third place male and female overall finishers in nine age groups ranging from 0-7 to 36-40. Ribbons were awarded for first through fifth place overall male and female fun run finishers.

The 5K race featured a sanctioned 3.2-mile road course through the rural terrain of the Rosinton Community which is mostly flat with a few small hills.

A 1-mile fun run will be held immediately following the 5K run at approximately 9:45 a.m.

Additional activities and fundraising opportunities were also held the day of the event.

For more information on the Rosinton Runners or additional events at the school, call 251-964-5210.