Event Description

As a sixteen-year old, Rebecca Osthus decided to undertake a monumental task. She set out to organize a 5K race with the purpose of raising money to support Polk County 4-H youth activities in memory of Joy Niklasen. Joy was a former County Youth Coordinator for Polk County 4-H who died in a car crash in September of 2014. She is remembered for her energy and enthusiasm in doing so much to help the Polk County 4-H youth. Joy represented the Extension Office on the Polk County 4-H Advisory Board, planned different workshops for the county, and helped coordinate the Polk County Awards Ceremony.
 
Rebecca named the race the “Polk County Clover Dash 5K” and decided to have it take place on the Iowa State Fairgrounds during the Polk County Fair when many 4-H activities are taking place. The first race was held on Saturday, July 25, 2015. It was a great success! There were approximately 230 participants and 70 volunteers. Money raised has been used to fund scholarships for 4-H seniors to attend college, support 4-H youth to attend the 4-H summer conference held in Ames, and to promote youth involvement in 4-H.