As eager runners took their positions at the starting line, Dano’lope Dash founder Alex Aguirre watched with pride. He was only 14 when he organized the first race. Now the popular charity event is drawing hundreds of participants in its 15th year.

The fundraising event helps support Dano Youth Camps, which was established in memory of the life and character of Danny (Dano) Ostrom, who died in a tragic equine accident.

While working in harmony with outdoor experiences, the camps seek to promote and foster the character qualities exhibited in Danny’s life, such as responsibility, courage, compassion, loyalty, honesty, friendship, persistence, hard work, self-discipline and faith, according to the nonprofit. The camps, which last eight days in the backcountry, are free the children, save a few personal items.

At age 14, Aguirre was inspired by his first year at Camp Dano and the leadership training he received during the backcountry experience. He decided to organize the Dano’lope Dash to raise money to help Park County kids participate in the same opportunity he enjoyed.

The 2026 Dash wasn’t the largest race in event history, but Aguirre said many runners are now participating virtually, adding to the organization’s fundraising reach. It’s a positive move as the number of camps increases, Aguirre said.

“We have field camp coming later this month. The girls are the first weekend, and then the boys are the last weekend in June. And we have three boys camps and three girls camps this year,” he said.

The age groups for race participants is nearly four generations wide, with 81-year-old Carleen Kattenhorn running the 1-mile race, and an 82-year-old signed up virtually. On the other side, a 6-week-old, Wrenley Walker, helped her mother, Jenci, keep her other two kids, Ranger and Ridge, company as Jenci sped down the course pushing all three of her young children in a stroller.

The youngest competitors included Emmi Schulz and Mack Wilson, both 4-year-olds speeding across the finish line of the 1-mile event with plenty of energy to spare.

Randall Nielson, who won the men’s 5k race, said it was “awesome to see this many people out here just supporting and showing out for the community.”

“It’s just great to be out here supporting a great cause,” he said.

For more information about the camps and how to help: danoyouthcamp.org/.