Candy Cane Dash - a Family Tradition

The 15th Annual Candy Cane Dash 5K run/walk this Saturday at 9 am in the Shoreline Stadium has a family history.

In 1996, a Shorecrest student named Scott Ruhlman created the event for his senior project. Some wondered about holding a Run in our uncertain December weather, but the skies were clear and the event was a resounding success. The Dash has been held every year since, providing Senior Projects for a lot of students.

Scott went to college and medical school in Ohio, completed five years of residency at the UW, went to Harvard for a one year specialty in arm/hand surgery, and now is back in the area as an orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle. His practice is providing the main sponsorship for the Candy Cane Dash this year. He has come back to support the race that he himself started 15 years ago.

His sponsorship may have something to do with this year's Race Director, Shorecrest senior Melissa Ruhlman, Scott's youngest sister. But wait - there's more. During the 15 years of the race, two other Ruhlman siblings have been Race Directors: Karen Ruhlman in 2003 and Kevin Ruhlman in 2007. Melissa is the youngest of eight children. "I've been waiting 15 years for this," she said.

Is there pressure from the Ruhlman clan on the fourth member of the family to direct the race that Scott Ruhlman started?

"As for competition, it is expected (and strived for!) that I will at least match or get close to my siblings' totals in terms of money raised and runners participating. Naturally, Scott really wants this year's Candy Cane Dash to be successful since he is involved in it so closely as a mentor and a sponsor."

 

Drop-ins are welcome to participate in the race, simply be there at 8 am to register.  The Shoreline Stadium is at NE 185th and 5th NE. behind the Shoreline Center's Spartan Gym.  Proceeds from the race help fund the Senior Projects at Shorecrest.