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Dunn’s Run continues support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County

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The neighborhood love affair with the 23rd annual Dunn’s Run continued this year with more than 1,200 participants pounding the pavement along the picturesque Deerfield Beach coastline. After last year’s event was pushed back due to the red tide threat, the 5K and five-mile runners were met with ideal conditions to kick off the road-racing season.

Event founder Jim Dunn got his usual 4 a.m. start to oversee the running festivities. The owner of J.R. Dunn Jewelers in Deerfield Beach is motivated every year to help raise funds for his favorite charity: the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. With loyal support from corporate sponsors and the community, the race has become a must-attend event.

“The red tide killed us last year, but I was praying it wouldn’t impact us this year,” Dunn said. “This is one of the oldest races in Broward County and I may be an antique but I just love it. This race is a family community event and it is a happy occasion. In 23 years, we still haven’t been rained out during our race.”

Dunn's Run 5K champions hit the podium at Deerfield Beach. Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County CEO Brian Quail, men's winner Agustin Rey, Jim Dunn and women's champion Rachelle Ginsberg.
Dunn’s Run 5K champions hit the podium at Deerfield Beach. Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County CEO Brian Quail, men’s winner Agustin Rey, Jim Dunn and women’s champion Rachelle Ginsberg.

Chris Miller easily outdistanced the competition in capturing the five-mile race with a time of 27:02, followed by Derek Morgan (29:44) and Tuan Nguyen (31:22). Sara Gomez, of Boca Raton, was the top overall female (32:49) with Nicole Hillstrom (34:22) and Julie Quick (35:11) taking second and third place. In the 5K race, Agustin Rey was the top overall male winner (17:56), while Rachelle Ginsberg (19:39) took the top overall female title.

Miller, of Deerfield Beach, is a well-known Dunn’s Run champion with multiple victories. He has maintained a special connection with the neighborhood race.

“I never know what season it is as I’m just getting myself in halfway shape,” Miller said, laughing. “This is a nice family event and it’s great to see so many people out here with their families participating. It’s not such a serious race but has more of a community feel to it. I had some people I know cheering me on along the race course, which is always uplifting and motivating.”

Dunn's Run 5-Mile champions Sara Gomez and Chris Miller enjoy a post-race celebration at Deerfield Beach.
Dunn’s Run 5-Mile champions Sara Gomez and Chris Miller enjoy a post-race celebration at Deerfield Beach.

For Gomez, most of her life revolves around the sport of running and winning her first Dunn’s Run five-mile race was exciting. The local runner ran for Atlantic High School in Delray Beach, was a college runner for Florida Atlantic University and works for Runner’s Edge.

“I usually come in second or third place, so I was lucky today,” Gomez said. “I came into this with no expectations. This race kicks off the racing season with cooler temperatures and brings out everybody you haven’t seen in a while. It’s nice to be home and be around people I’ve known for about 20 years. We are like a family. As a mother of two, I usually just do Disney races now.”

The significance of everyone coming out to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County was not lost on Gomez who can identify with the worthy cause.

Rachelle Ginsburg, of Miami, takes the women's 5K title at the Dunn's Run in Deerfield Beach.
Rachelle Ginsburg, of Miami, takes the women’s 5K title at the Dunn’s Run in Deerfield Beach.

“It’s amazing since I’m a teacher and work at Title 1 schools,” she said. “This is a great community race. It gives back to the kids who need it the most. It means a lot to the Boys & Girls Club members who come out here and see all the supporters they have.”

Brian Quail, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, was on hand with his staff and members to lend their assistance and express their gratitude.

“We are back this year twice as strong and not even the red tide can keep us down,” he said. “We serve over 12,000 plus kids here in Broward and we are always there for kids who need us most. For Deerfield Beach, the proceeds from the Dunn’s Run keeps the lights on and runs many programs that is so beneficial for the kids. We are proud that for nine consecutive years, Charity Navigators has given us the highest four-star rating so people from the community know where the money is going. At the end of the day, we are so thankful.”

Visit bgcbc.org.

Emmett Hall is a South Florida Community News correspondent.