Disaster Dash

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM DISASTER DASH 👟

First, we would like to thank each of you who has been a part of our fundraising activities over the past five years. With your help, Disaster Dash events have raised a total of $15,600 for organizations who are first on the ground after natural disasters. 👏👏👏

As of 2025, we have no plans for future Disaster Dash events. Your support will enable us to make ongoing contributions to relief organizations through the Jannette Jaco Memorial Fund, in honor of our mother, who inspired us with a life of compassionate and selfless service to others.

We’ve cherished being part of this uplifting community of positive, giving people, and we encourage you to continue to stay active, stay weather-aware, and always be ready to help your neighbors in need. 🌪️

Please call, text, or email us with any questions at 870-821-0455 or [email protected]. Once again, we are so grateful for your loyal support!

📸 Pictured: Disaster Dash 5k founders, Dana Jaco Parten (left) and Carla Jaco Ripper (right) with emcee, Lyndsey Dilks (center)

Seize the day 🏃🏾

3 miles? No problem! 💪

We love seeing the littlest participants of our 5k - what a great head start on a healthy, active lifestyle!

You can DO it! 👏

APPLE'S FINISH 🥇

It is always a special moment celebrating the finish line with our friend Apple, a wheelchair participant! He successfully completed his 2nd complete Disaster Dash course this year and we are so proud of him.

Apple trained for years to be able to complete the Disaster Dash course, and finally achieved his finish line goal at our 2023 race.

Participant & sponsor Richard Vaughn, an avid wheelchair marathoner & coach, shared these words at last year's race:

***
“Apple’s first went about 100 yards. On his second, he got to mile 1 and needed her help getting back.
On this, his third, he started to turn around at mile 1 but decided he was GOING to finish. He did the entire 3.1. (He still hasn’t “come down” – so elated is he!)
I’ve been training him on weights for 2 years. He had hoped, at the start, to live long enough to see his daughter go to college.
As motivated as he is, doing all I ask of him at the gym, he will likely see his grandchildren get to college!”
***

Our race day photos are ready! 📸

Run over to our website to see highlights from the starting line, race course, & medal ceremony. Big thanks to Michelle Rohlman for capturing all these great moments for us this year!

2024 PHOTO ALBUM:
https://disasterdash.com/photo-album/2024-disaster-dash/

Stay tuned...race day photos are on their way! 📸

You can view photo albums & race results from previous events on our page and our website! Facebook users, just navigate to "ALBUMS" or select "NEWS & EVENTS" from the main menu on our site.

We have extra Disaster Dash tees available for purchase in select sizes, $15/ea with FREE shipping! Snag one of these ultra-comfortable Bella Canvas poly-blend shirts, while supplies last!

🛒 You can order online: https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/AR/LittleRock/Disasterdash5k

-OR- you can Venmo us direct at and just include your mailing address & desired size(s):

Adult SMALL - 5 available
Adult MEDIUM - 14
Adult LARGE - 10
Adult XL - 10
Adult 2XL - 4
Youth MEDIUM - 3

Our thoughts & prayers are with everyone in the continued path of Helene ⛈️ This massive storm is still threatening millions of people with disastrous flooding, after making landfall last night as a historic Category 4 hurricane.

We salute the first responders & emergency workers who are bringing first aid to so many devastated communities 🙌