Come join us on the picturesque Lake-Marion Santee Dam…raise money and awareness for Childhood Cancer while running, walking, or strutting!

The Dash on the Dam 5K is an annual fundraising event on the Lake Marion-Santee Dam in Manning, SC, hosted by the Optimist Club of Clarendon. We are a volunteer service organization, a local chapter of Optimist International, and we help kids.  One of the causes dear to our hearts is Childhood Cancer and the impact it has on families in our area and all of South Carolina.  This year, we will raise funds from sponsors and runners during September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and host the #DamDash in October during cooler weather.  Proceeds from the Dash on the Dam 5K go to national organizations with local ties to our community:  Camp Happy Days; Children's Cancer Partners; and Curing Kids Cancer; and other youth supported by our club.  

Dash on the Dam 5K

• Type: 5K
• Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026 
• Start Time: 9:00 AM
• Location: Lake-Marion Santee Dam
• Address: 1022 Randolph’s Landing Way, Manning SC 29102
• Proceeds: Childhood Cancer Awareness – Camp Happy Days, Children’s Cancer Partners, and Curing Kids Cancer

Course Map:

Straight out on the Dam 2.5K and back 2.5K – turnaround spot will be marked

Race Day Schedule:

• Packet Pickup (8:15 AM-8:55 AM)
• Race Start Time (5K at 9:00 AM)
• 1 Mile Fun Run – no timing (9:15 AM)

5K Awards:

• Overall Awards are based on Gun Time
• Top 3 Female and Male
• Separate awards for anyone under 12
• Fun-Run Participation Recognition for kids and schools

5K Fees:

• Registration Price - $30
• 1 Mile Fun Run – Free

Event special notes:

• Gold swag (shirts, bows, ribbons, tutu’s, etc..) and/or costumes for teams encouraged
• Childhood Cancer Awareness materials available
• Face-painting and post-card station for kids and families
• Special guests, partner booths, and vendors welcome
• Are strollers welcome? Yes, for the Fun Run
• Can people listen to music while running? Yes
• Are pets welcome? Yes
• Are there parking restrictions that people should know about? No
• Are there any age restrictions for any of the races? No

We encourage participants in both the 5K and free 1-Mile Fun Run to dress in gold-themed outfits or decorated-shirts for the event to show their support for Childhood Cancer Awareness.  This way, more of the proceeds can go to our cause, and the cost of the registration remains low. Gold-bow merchandise and other swag will be shared with runners in their packets and on the day of the race. 

Packet Pickup Location and time:

• Starting at 8:15 AM
• Lake-Marion Santee Dam
• 1022 Randolph’s Landing Way
• Manning, SC 29102

Like, Follow, Share:

• Facebook:  Optimist Club of Clarendon – SC

Race Director:

• Lisa Justice, 704-773-9948; optimistclubclarendon@gmail.com