The fastest 5K in Huntsville — the annual Cookie Dash 5K — lived up to its reputation Saturday afternoon in Hampton Cove with two familiar names atop the 5K and 1-mile leaderboards.
Grattan O’Neill, 17, of Huntsville, captured the 5K title in 16:31, a comfy 5:19 pace. That was off of last year’s winning time but O’Neill still got to the table covered with homemade cookies first. O’Neill is no stranger to the winner’s spot, with several wins like this one, and this, and this, along with other podium finishes.
Andrew Golich of Madison was second in 16:59, and Emma Hardman of Huntsville was third in 17:23. Hardman claimed the women’s title.
Cookie Dash 1-Mile
Logan Wood cruised to the 1-mile title in 5:59, his third big showing of the year. The 8-year-old from Hazel Green captured the Bridge Street 5K in early April and set state age records at the Winter Winds 4- and 2-mile events in February. He also was third in the River City Run 5K.
His sister, Brooklyn, who is 6, finished second in the 1-Mile. She crossed the line in 6:59, setting an Alabama age record. She also set a state age record at Winter Winds.
Sandy McLauchlin, 53, of Madison, was third in 7:02. Malachy Deloach, 9, of Owens Cross Roads, was fourth in 7:05 and Hunter Morris, 9, of Madison, was fifth in 7:30.
The 1-mile course is certified and bibs chipped. The race is open to anyone — it’s not just for kids, or a fun run. With it being on the Big Cove Greenway and pancake flat, the 1-mile is great for a state age record.
State age records set in the 5K included those by Ray Fanning, 84, of Huntsville, with a 30:38.9, and Sarah Crouch, 34, of Madison, with a 17:45.5. Jean McCrady, 91, of Brownsboro, set records in the 5K (48:55) and 1-Mile (16:13).
See all of the Cookie Dash 5K and 1-Mile results here, including for age groups and records.
About the Cookie Dash
The run started about 4 p.m. at Hampton Cove Middle School. Years ago it was the Recreation Run in south Huntsville. The Cookie Dash was a morning event until a conflicting event popped up a few years ago. It then moved to the current afternoon time slot. Runners responded to the change with a strong turnout, and it’s been an afternoon event since then.
The certified route is pancake-flat, winding through Deford Mill in Hampton Cove before returning to the finish line on the Big Cove Creek Greenway. Homeowners along the route cheer, and Huntsville Police Department helps with traffic control. It’s a perfect route for a personal or state age-group record. The only incline is the last couple hundred yards to the finish line.
Proceeds benefit the Huntsville Community Drumline and the Hampton Cove elementary and middle schools. The drumline sends off runners at the start and welcomes them at the finish with loud, fun and precise drumming. Sponsors include Tortora’s and Panera Bread.
See the start of the Cookie Dash 1-Mile run below, along with a few photos from the events:
