AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO THE JD BBQ: Early registration deadline nears for Jack Dash

This year’s Jack Dash will head down Main Street towards Highway 55 and back. Registration will remain open through the day of the event but those who register by October 9 will be guaranteed a race t-shirt. (Image Provided)

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — It’s a fun little 5K race that happens the morning of the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue and the early registration deadline is quickly approaching. The Jack Dash 5K run/walk will take place on Saturday, October 15 near the the Lynchburg Square.

Due to COVID 19, the Jack Dash did not take place in 2020 or 2021. In 2019, nearly 30 runners participated. The overall winner was Cam Harvey of Shelbyville. Tamra Smith of Shelbyville had the top female time. Other winners in the seven mile run were: Will Holt of Shelbyville (males 20- to 29), Kelly Taylor of Antioch (females 30 to 39), Matthew Neuharth of Tullahoma (males 30 to 39), Nelana Owens of Fayetteville (females 40 to 49), Randall Harvey of Shelbyville (males 40 to 49), Lynchburg’s Dorie Lund (females 50 to 59), Paul Bellemare of Murfreesboro (males 50 to 59), Lynchburg’s Lorraine Carter (females over 60), and Richard Hokirk (males over 60). Paul Casteel of Tullahoma had the top 5K time.

This year’s race will take place on Saturday before the crowds show up for a day of all things barbecue. It’s a family-friendly course that starts and ends on the historic Lynchburg Square. Runners will head out Main Street to the intersection of Elm Street then turn left. Runners will then follow Main Street all the way to Highway 55 near Woodard’s Market.

Runners and walkers can register up to the day of the event but those who register by October 9 will receive a discount and be guaranteed a race t-shirt. Now through October 9, registration costs just $30. You can register the day before the event for $35 or the day of the 5K for $40. To register, click here. Race swag (while it lasts) will be a commemorative race t-shirt, chip times, and snacks after the run.

Parking in Lynchburg on Barbecue Saturday can be challenging. The square and Wiseman Park will be closed to parking. The Craig Street Park and the Lynchburg Elementary School may be the best bets for ample parking. Both are a short walk to the square. There are also several businesses and homes close to the square which allow parking in their lots/yards for a small fee. The parking process may take a little time to navigate, so plan on arriving early.

Proceed from this year’s race will benefit the Moore County Friends of Animals Rescue and Adoption Center, which is a 501(c)3 organization that serves as the animal shelter in Lynchburg. You can learn more about them by clicking here. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently-owned, community newspaper located in Lynchburg, Tennessee the home of The Jack Daniel Distillery. We focus on public service, non-partisan, rural journalism. We cover the Metro Moore County government, local tourism, Moore County schools, high school sports, Motlow State Community College, as well as whiskey industry news and regional and state stories that affect our readers.}