Two running events are coming up this month in and around the Town of West Jefferson.

The first is the Ashe Dash on Saturday, May 19. Sponsored by Ashe County Schools, this free family fun event offers a 5k race beginning at 8:30 a.m. and a Fun Run starting at 8:15 a.m. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on the Backstreet.

To register for the Ashe Dash, go online to www.surveymonkey.com/ashedash. For more information, call Ashe County Schools at 846-7175.

The second running event is the West Jefferson 5K/10K, organized by Jared Yelton, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 26. Participants may choose between running the shorter 5K event or competing in the 10K event.

Those interested in running can pre-register before May 19 or can register on the day of the event. The registration fee for those that do pre-register will be $25 for the 5K event and $30 for the 10K. If you wait and register on the morning of the race, the fee increases by $5.

This event is set to start at 9:30 a.m. with a “Kids Dash” for ages 13 and under to enjoy before the longer events start at 10 a.m.

Everybody that enters one of the 5k/10k races will receive a t-shirt and a gift bag as part of the entry fee. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group for both male and female competitors.

According to the event website, all money raised at the event will go to support the Ashe County Free Medical Clinic. The clinic began in 2005 after receiving a Duke Divinity School Grant. The clinic is independent and self-supporting with volunteers helping provide the proper care and wellness needs to the uninsured citizens of Ashe County. The free medical clinic here is one of 73 other clinics of its kind in North Carolina.

As always, the event would appreciate any sponsors or volunteers that would like to help out.

For information on the event, or to volunteer to help out, contact Jared Yelton by phone at (828) 773-2897 or by email at westjeff5k10k@yahoo.com.

Registration forms and much more, including the race’s route through town, can be found on the event website at www.westjefferson5k10k.com.

Ashe County native Eric Johnson is the defending champion of the 5K event while Richard Ferguson of Danville, Va., edged out Annette Bednosky of Jefferson for first place in the 10K.