Dirt Dash brings run through botanical gardens

Runners enjoyed views of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens during the third annual Dirt Dash on Nov. 14.

Gardens CEO Fred Spicer said about 180 people showed up for the 5K and Fun Run. He said the race is a chance to show off the gardens to people who don't typically show up for other events or classes.

"It brings a different crowd to the gardens. The gardens are different things to different people," Spicer said.

The Dirt Dash is put on by the Botanical Gardens' Junior Board. Caroline Brady is the board's special events chair and said this was her first year planning the event.

"I think it's neat that you get to see a glimpse of everything we work so hard to maintain," Brady said.

The first 5K runner across the finish line was Cole Williams, a junior at Hoover High School. A member of the Hoover soccer team, Williams said he chose the Dirt Dash because he was looking for nearby runs to help stay in shape off-season. He said he found the gardens course to be hilly and somewhat challenging.

After the race, the runners got to enjoy hot drinks, vendors at Alabama Designer Craftsmen's Annual Fine Crafts Show and music from the Trey Lewis Duo and Reid Brooks.