DURHAM – Dory Whynot, fifth-grader and aspiring artist, won the T-shirt design contest for the third annual Durham Dash. Her design will be worn by runners at the one-mile fun run and 5K race, which starts at Durham Elementary School at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 17.

Whynot won the design contest organized by Durham art teacher Michelle Reali. “Dory is amazing,” said Reali. “She excels at every challenge that I give her. She just gets an idea in her head, and she goes to it. She is very talented.”

All participants registered prior to April 30 receive a T-shirt. Additional shirts may be purchased for $7 at the race. Registration for the oen-mile fun run is $5; 5K race, $15 in advance and $20 on race day.

With a time of 16:44, Dan Dearing of Lisbon Falls captured first place in the 5K race in 2003. Second place was snared by Tom Emery of North Yarmouth with a time of 18:13. Sixteen-year-old Sean Noe of Durham finished third with a time of 19:26.

Durham selectmen will present all participants in the one-mile event with a medal while a member of Durham’s school board will make the award presentations for the 5K event. The 5K race includes awards for the top three finishers, male and female, as well as the top three in each age category, male and female. Age groups are as follows: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 plus. Area businesses have contributed prizes for the lead runners.

Official timing will be handled by Jim McKorkle and 5K Sports. Volunteers from the Durham PTA, sponsor of the event, and Durham Fire Department will handle course safety. Junior Girl Scout Troop 231 will assist.

Registrations will be taken until 8:45 a.m. on the morning of the race. Participants may register on-line at or by contacting Leigh Fisher at 753-0361.