This 12th annual event will honor the life of Austin native and running enthusiast, Darren Lewis. (1973-2011) All events will start and end at Lafayette Park located in Austin, MN. Each participant will receive a tee shirt and a medal. The race will start at 9:00 am. Water stops and post race refreshments will be provided for all participants. Proceeds from this event will go to a scholarship fund for Austin Cross Country runners and for programs committed to improving mental and physical health in the community. Darren Dash has given out over $25,000 in scholarships to date. Thank you for your support. Please contact us with any questions or comments.  Registration can be done on line at www.darrendash.org, or at Lewis Physical Therapy (1700 17th Street N.W. Suite 2D in Austin, MN 55912). Packet pick up will be the morning of the race at 8:00 am at Lafayette Park (Main St S, Austin, MN 55912).

Darren Michael Lewis was an amazing man who was loved by more people than he ever knew.  He inspired so many of us through his life long passion for running, his work ethic, his commitment to family, and his undeniable ability to live life to the fullest.  The third of four children, he was born in Austin, MN.  He was the youngest Minnesotan to run Grandma’s Marathon at the age of nine years. He went on to compete at the high school level and ultimately became a solid competitor on the Mankato State Cross Country team.  He was a strong, intelligent student and earned a double major in psychology and business.  Post college, he returned to Austin and started a successful painting business.  Its hard to find a building or home in Austin that has not been touched by Darren’s steady hand.  Darren was always up for a challenge and seeking out adventures, whether it was a summer in Colorado, an impromptu camping trip, a tropical vacation, or joining a summer kickball league, but he found his true passion when he took on the role of father.  He will always be remembered doting on his beautiful children and making every moment and memory with them count.  Darren left this world far too soon, but his infectious smile lives on through his children and he will live in our hearts forever.