Runners take to the trails at 2016 Dirt Dash

Most weekends, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are filled with families taking photos, walking around to enjoy the scenery. On Saturday, Oct. 29, however, it was filled with runners.

During the fourth annual Dirt Dash, about 175 runners took to the trails weaving through the gardens, and even more people showed up to participate in the 1-mile family walk. Special events coordinator Heather Oliver said the Dirt Dash is an annual fundraiser put on by the Birmingham Botanical Gardens junior board, and money raised helps fund programs and opportunities that are a part of the gardens' educational mission.

Samford University student Brandon Regan, 21, completed the race first, at 21 minutes and 10 seconds. Awards were given to the top runners in each age bracket.