The Dolly 9 to 5K Run/Walk

Welcome to our inaugural 5K run/walk benefitting the Simpson County Chapter of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Kentucky!

Race start time is 8:00 am on Saturday, March 8th!

The goal of the Simpson County Chapter of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is to inspire a love of reading by making books available to all children ages 0 to 5 in Simpson County, regardless of the family’s income.  In 2024, 660 of approximately 1200 children were enrolled in the program. Over 1800 children have "graduated" from the program since its inception in Simpson County.  Your participation in the 5K Run/Walk will allow more children the opportunity to start their early childhood education and be closer to kindergarten readiness after they "graduate" from the program. 

State wide,  48.3% of eligible children in Kentucky currently receive books and thanks to funding from the Kentucky General Assembly.  As of June 2024, DPIL has now expanded to all 120 counties in the Bluegrass State!  Click here to learn more about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Kentucky!

Race Highlights

• Starts at 8:00 am on Sat, March 8th 
• Warm, dry venue in The Barn at Bethel Grove
• Cool race shirt! (stay tuned for the shirt reveal)
• Fast, flat, out & back 5K course.  Perfect for an early season PR!
• • Chip timing for all participants
  • Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome!
• Door prizes and giveaways!
• Fun & festive "Dolly" themed event! 
• • We'll be playing lots of Dolly Parton songs
  • Natasha Neely, professional Dolly Parton impersonator, will join us on race day too!
• Awards
• • Top male & female overall finishers and top 3 male & female in the following age groups
  • 10 & Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over