Seventy-two runners launched from the starting line at Wildwood subdivision to help raise money for the Pearl River Central Middle School cheerleaders.

The event named “The Blue Devil Dash” was a 5K race held Saturday to raise funds for a cheerleader stunt and tumble camp this summer, said middle school cheerleading coach Katie Johnson.

She said, the 5K fundraiser was a huge success because the team was able to raise all the money needed to host the camp this summer.

Johnson said everyone who was involved in planning the race, participants, volunteers and spectators were very pleased with the event.

“I can’t thank everyone enough, the girls, sponsors, runners, sheriff’s deptartment, school security, timers, and Wildwood Subdivision for the fantastic day we had,” Johnson said.

Participants ran in eight categories: 12 and younger female, 12 and younger male, 13-20 year old female, 13-20 year old male, 21-39 year old female, 21-39 year old male, 40 and older female and 40 and older male.

The cheerleading team is comprised of 22 seventh and eight graders, Johnson said.

“The girls are highly motivated and eager to start this cheerleading chapter in their life. Each girl has great qualities that help our team become one solid cheer family,” Johnson said.

Hosting a stunt and tumble summer camp allows the girls to focus on those two main skills, which are what judges are looking for at competitions, Johnson said.

She said it also allows the girls to be safer because they have the chance to consistently practice the techniques and learn everything that is expected of them based on their position during stunts.

The first place winners were Allison Cunningham for the 12 and younger females, Hunter Brunson for the 12 and younger males, Anna Grace Sable for the 13-20 year old females, Caleb Mitchell for the 13-20 year old males, Amanda Davis for the 21-39 year old females, Mark Davis for the 21-39 year old males, Robin Mitchell for the 40 and older females and Michael Jordan for the 40 and older males.

“I can’t wait to plan out a great fundraiser again like the 5K again. I know the next time we will go even bigger and better than this time,” Johnson said.