By Rachel Galvin

The 16th Annual Dunn’s Run took place on Oct. 7 on a sunny morning in Deerfield beach. Thousands of runners and walkers lined up for the 5k walk/run and 5 mile run, which benefits Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Last year, they raised over $100,000.  In addition to the race, there were activities for the kids, including a bounce house and Paint a Firetruck. Local businesses participated by sponsorship or by having a booth.

(Left): Walkers and racers line up for the start, photo by Rachel Galvin

Jon Volpi won the 5 mile race again this year, improving his time from last year’s race. Valerie Azra was the female winner of the 5 mile. Danielle Kleptan was the female winner for the 5k and Agustin Rey for the men.

In addition, they held a tribute before the race began for fallen BSO Deputy Christopher Schaub, who was on the force for 22 years, with a moment of silence and a release of 12 doves. Runners ran beneath a huge United States flag hoisted up by a Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue truck. Saxophonist Markus Howell, a senior at Deerfield High School, played the national anthem.

As the runners and walkers took off, Congressman Allen West was among them, as usual, holding the United States flag high. The Deerfield High School Cross Country team had many boys and girls running, including two boys who ran with their fathers and a mother and daughter together. Some parents brought even their littlest children out with them, some in strollers. One 9-year-old boy barely broke a sweat running in the race and racing in among some of the first of the pack. Sports mascots like TD the Dolphin, Billy the Marlin and Stanley C. Panther gave the runners high fives as they crossed the starting line. They also was a drum line along the route playing in support.

ObserverTV was there! Look for video coming soon…

See more coverage in this week’s Observer (10/11/12)

Drumline, photo by Sari Pelkey (below), doves, photo by Rachel Galvin: