29th Annual Blazer Dash Brings NDP Community Together to Remember, Celebrate, and Give Back

Gray skies and steady rain greeted Hampton Lane on Sunday, September 27, but they were no match for the spirit of the Notre Dame Prep community. More than 500 students, faculty, staff, families, alumnae, and friends of NDP braved the rainy weather for the 29th Annual Blazer Dash Scholarship Run, coming together to honor beloved members of our community and open the door to an NDP education for the next generation of Blazers.

The Blazer Dash has always been about more than a race. Since 1997, it has honored cherished members of the NDP community who have left us too soon, while raising vital funds for the school's memorial scholarships and tuition assistance. The morning began with an opening ceremony recognizing the memorial scholarship families in attendance, whose presence reminded everyone why we gather each year.

After a spirited warmup, courtesy of Caroline Fitzsimmons ’06, runners and walkers set off through the rain. The Tiny Trotters race moved indoors to the Middle Level Gym, where the youngest participants (ages 2–7) dashed toward the finish line, cheered on by family, friends, and the Oriole Bird. The morning wrapped up with an awards ceremony celebrating top finishers across every age group.

To the families who joined us in memory of their loved ones: we remember, we honor, and we carry their legacies forward. To every runner, walker, volunteer, sponsor, donor, student, family, alumna, and friend: thank you. Your support makes an NDP education possible for deserving students and makes a difference far beyond race day.