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 three national organizations with local ties to our community:  Camp Happy Days, Children's Cancer Partners, and Curing Kids Cancer.  

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.