The 2024 Kids Dash has been revived - June 1, 2024
Introduction from Nate Tanner DMD, founder of The Kids Dash in 2012
“For years my wife and I have been inspired by Linda Ellis’ poem “The Dash”, and the importance to make every minute and action count.
I combined the love for this poem with an idea shared with me by another dentist while I was in Scottsdale Arizona attending a seminar to create The Kids Dash here in the Rogue Valley.”
If you’re not familiar with the poem, you can see and hear the author, Linda Ellis read her poem. Just click on “The Dash” above.
The Kids Dash was begun by dentist Dr. Nathan Tanner in 2012. Dr. Tanner transferred operation of The Kids Dash to KidZone Community Foundation in 2014. Since then it grew from a series of runs for primary school children to an annual event (except for cancellation in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid19 pandemic) including the original dashes for ages 2 through the end of middle school, a 1600 meter challenge race open to “elite runners” of all ages, field events including foam javelin throw and giant Beaks vs. Snouts slingshot game, the Hue-man Race family fun event Bubble Trek, , a full carnival presented by Asante Physician Partners and a “Wellness Midway” bringing together exhibits from many local health-related community partners. In early 2024, KidZone Community Foundation evolved into Kids Wellness Network. The transformation, expected to last the rest of 2024, resulted in the possible cancellation of the Kids Dash. Dr. Nathan Tanner and Richard Cohen MD, coordinator from 2014 through 2023 are bringing the event back this year.
Funds from sponsor and exhibitor donations made The Kids Dash possible from 2014 through 2023 . Proceeds were used to assist local physical activity and education programs. Over the years the foundation had provided pedometers and jump ropes to primary school teachers, helped acquire and relocate a par course at Highland School and provided a heart rate-based physical education P.E. program at Grants Pass High School, including hardware, software and instructor orientation (with additional assistance from Four-Way Community Foundation) and helped to fund Caveman Court.