Gwinnett Daily Post

The school year begins for North Gwinnett on Monday, so what better way to kickoff the year than a celebration?

The first community event of the year for the Suwanee school will be the Bulldog Dash, an annual 5K road race in its 14th year, on Saturday.

"We really count this as the kickoff," North Gwinnett cross country coach John Rowland said. "It kicks off the year for North athletics. It's kind of the first major event."

The Bulldog Dash has become the primary fundraiser for the cross country and typically draws 400-500 runners each year.

"It's kind of a preseason test for our athletes to see where they are at," Rowland said. "It supports the boys and girls cross country programs at North."

Last year's race was one of the most successful in terms of profit, according to Rowland. The third-year North coach is hoping for another big day on Saturday.

Runners will begin on Level Creek Road in front of the high school. They will run down and back on the road and finish in the football stadium.

"This course is awesome because it ends on the track," Rowland said. "We have the video board set up, so people can see themselves on it."

The race will have its usual prizes and raffle after the race.