Sign up to race for UT team at Dart Frog Dash May 20

May 10, 2017 | UToday
By Madison Vasko



As the weather in Toledo begins to warm up, natives have started to look for ways to spend more time outside and be active.

The Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women and UT’s Healthy U are collaborating to form Dart Frog Dash Team #UToledo for UT faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members.

The Toledo Zoo, in partnership with Medical Mutual and other sponsors, will host the 2017 Dart Frog Dash, a 5K race/walk that focuses on regional conservation initiatives. The event will take place Saturday, May 20, at 8:30 a.m.

“Dart Frog Dash focuses on regional conservation initiatives, including our native prairie program,” said Mary Fedderke, director of institutional advancement at the Toledo Zoo. “We’ve installed 30 acres of native prairies throughout the region. The prairies benefit the environment in many ways, including increasing biodiversity, supporting native species like pollinators, and filtering rain water helping clean Lake Erie.”

This is the first year The University of Toledo will have its own team at the 5K at the zoo.

In 2016, there were 2,100 participants at the Dart Frog Dash, as well as more than 5,000 supporters on the zoo grounds. This year, the goal is to have 2,500 registered participants.

“New and experienced runners, as well as walking families, will all have a great time at this historic venue. The serious runner should know this is a U.S. Track and Field certified event, and newbies will appreciate being with the community we love and enjoying our zoo in a new way,” said Vicki Riddick, UT director of service excellence and senior wellness officer. “UT faculty and staff should all look forward to a day of exercise, fun and family time. All family and fans that come to support you may stay on zoo grounds for the rest of day for free.”

Events on race day will include the 5K race/walk, which is plotted on residential streets surrounding the Toledo Zoo, and a Kids’ Fun Run, set up entirely on zoo grounds. Top participants in the 5K race will receive a trophy and a free zoo membership. Age group awards also will be issued.

“The Eberly Center for Women is glad to have this opportunity to collaborate with the UT Healthy U Program and the Toledo Zoo,” said Dr. Shanda Gore, associate vice president of the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women and the Minority Business Development Center. “The Dart Frog Dash is a great chance for UT faculty and staff to get some exercise and bring their families out to our amazing zoo for fun.”

For more details, including registration, maps and directions, visit toledozoo.org/dartfrog.

Click to access the login or register cheese