Dawgy Dash to feature world renowned runner

Mary Beth Sallee

Reporter, Hart Co. News-Herald

 

Animal Rescue Kare (ARK) of Hart County will host its annual Dawgy Dash on April 30, 2022.

This year’s 5K Run-Walk will feature a special guest: world-renowned runner Stan Cottrell.

A native of Munfordville, Cottrell has clocked in over 270,000 running miles over the course of his lifetime. Of those miles, over 9,000 have come from Cottrell running across the United States on three separate occasions. His first trek from New York to San Francisco landed him the Guinness World Record in 1980 when he ran 3,103.5 miles in 48 days, averaging 66 miles per day.

Just last year at the age of 78, Cottrell partook in the 2021 Friendship Run, trekking across the country to raise money for children in need. He began in Los Angeles and his final destination was in Washington D.C. He ran over 3,000 miles in 100 days.

ARK is excited to have Cottrell participate in the Dawgy Dash, and Cottrell himself is also looking forward to bringing awareness to a great cause.

“My Dad was a well-known fox hunter. I remember once upon a time he had 49 regular hunting dogs,” Cottrell said. “Now here is where I remember when the winter and the snows came, the dogs were chained inside the barn. I would go to feed them, and I remember feeling so sorry for them.”

“When Ms. June King asked me if I would come and run in the Hart Dawgy Run, without a second’s hesitation, I was happy to oblige,” Cottrell continued. “I am so glad there are a group of people in Hart County who have a heart for animals and their humane treatment. It is a Biblical thing to do.”

Cottrell is also looking forward to returning to Hart County, the place that means so much to him.

“For me, Hart County provided the perfect combination of the best of all worlds and my life’s directions,” Cottrell said. “My Dad and Mom were as Hart County as they come, being born and raised in Cub Run and Priceville, respectively. In fact, many human performance practitioners have stated I am anatomically designed to run the long distances over extended periods of time. Thank You, my wonderful parents, which attests to the hereditary factor. My great, great, great grandfather was the first deed holder in Hart County and his name, Henry Cottrell, is duly recorded in 1819 County Clerk’s records. My Momma’s family came to Hart County in 1865, and the homestead farm is owned by all the cousins – 30 of us still at this writing.”

“I learned early I could run long distances and come back and do it again and again. I think I have well established this fact,” Cottrell added. “In my growing up years, I was surrounded by some of the most amazing characters who would tell incredible stories which kept me in awe and laughing with their authenticity and style. I learned from these master’s of human relations. Through my running, I found there was something I could do well. My male classmates would rib me and make jokes always in a respectful and encouraging way. One such incident is recorded on a historical marker in the Munfordville School property. It was the perfect environment. It was a magic time for a teenager to be alive and the memories are seared in my soul.”

The Dawgy Dash 5K will be held on April 30. Sign-in begins at 7 a.m. CDT at Munfordville Elementary School, with the race beginning at 8 a.m. CDT.

Although the early bird fee has ended, there is still time to register. The cost is $35 per adult and $30 per youth. Enter a team of $10 of more and save $5 per person. You may run or walk with or without your dog. Prizes will be awarded in different age categories.

All proceeds from the Dawgy Dash will be used for ARK’s work to help animals.

“I have traveled all over the world and logged nearly 300,000 miles, but there is nothing like tying your shoes and running on Hart County roads,” Cottrell said. “For me, it has been a lifelong love affair. I look forward to seeing old friends, relatives, and making new friends on this special Saturday morning. Walk, run, jog, whatever, it will be an event we will be able to say, ‘A good time was had by all.’”

For additional information about the Dawgy Dash, visit the ARK for Hart Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ARKies4Hart. You can register online for the Dawgy Dash or print out a registration form at runsignup.com/dawgydash22.