Wee Warriors gathered in force on Saturday to take part in the seventh annual Wee Warrior Dash at Sam Michael’s Park.

The event, a partnership between Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, Freedom’s Run and For the Love of Children (FLOC), continues to draw large crowds each year.

The dash comprises a mile-long obstacle course that children run through. Along the course, the runners find such obsacles as a “pumpkin mine field” where they have to run around the pumpkins. They then face crawling under netting, walking along logs, climbing over dirt pile and over hay rolls.

There is no fee to enter the race and each participant received a water bottle and a healthy snack at the end of the run.

Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, founder of Freedom’s Run, spent time with the youngsters warming up before the race. Donned in pink wig and a “Rocky” type robe, the doctor shared the importance of warming up and the importance of exercise. in general.

Once all of the 300+ runners were registered and ready, the “Go” signal was given and off they went. Many of the children were old enough to run the course alone; however, many of the younger participants had parents and siblings running along to assist.

Jefferson County Parks Director Jennifer Myers, who ran the course with her three young triplets, expressed her excitement at the large turnout.

“This is the largest crowd to date,” she said. “We are so happy to continue the partnership with Freedom’s Run and FLOC to get kids outside and exercising.”

Cucuzzella agreed, sharing that he hopes the event will only get bigger.