Children, along with their parents, make their way over the giant hay rolls, which were just part of the obstacles along the path of the annual Wee Warrior Dash. Courtesy photo

SHENANDOAH JUNCTION — For the 12th year, wee warriors — those between the ages of two and 15, came out despite some chilly rain on Saturday morning, to participate in the annual Wee Warrior Dash held at Sam Michaels Park.

The dash was presented in partnership between Freedom’s Run and the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Department. It features a mile-long course to run and maneuver through obstacles along the way. Obstacles include crawling under netting, walking along logs, running through tires and climbing over hay rolls — all of which makes the dash more fun for those participating.

Event founder Mark Cucuzzella greeted the warriors this year, as he has done every year, leading them in warm-up exercises before sending them to run through the course. He allows participants to step forward to offer a warm-up exercise and to lead the group in doing that particular exercise, allowing each child selected to feel like they are a leading part of the event.

Cucuzzella continued to stress the importance of getting outside and moving, which is what the dash is all about.

Jennifer Myers, director of Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, dubbed this one of her favorite events. She shared that more than 300 youngsters were on hand Saturday morning to go through the course.

“It was great to see such a large turnout for our 12th year,” Myers said, adding that when the race first began, it was held on the opposite side of the park by the baseball fields.

“We had about 50 kids then,” she said. “The dash has grown steadily over the years and now includes 15 obstacles for the kids.”

The obstacles are constructed and placed by the JCPR staff, prior to the day of the event.

“It’s such a fun event for our staff as well as for the community,” Myers said. “It’s great to have such wonderful partners like Freedom’s Run that make it possible to hold events like this that are free to the public.”

The race, traditionally scheduled on the second weekend of November, has always been held, regardless of cold temperatures or precipitation. It was placed on hold for the first time last year, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, but was enjoyed by all who returned this year.