The 20th Annual "Beat the Sheriff" 5k took place in Inverness today. It was the last time this race would happen.
- The 20th Annual Beat the Sheriff 5K was retired Saturday
- In 2017, the 5K will honor Phil Royal
“There’s always a time to leave and this is a good time for us,” Sheriff Jeff Dawsy said.
The Citrus County Sheriff started this race 20 years ago. Since then, it’s grown into a fundraising powerhouse, raising thousands of dollars for various charities over the years. For the past few years, the money has gone to Jessie’s Place, a Citrus County advocacy shelter for battered children.
“This is not about the sheriff’s office,” Sheriff Dawsy said. “It’s about raising money for a great cause.”
Sheriff Dawsy is retiring after two decades of service. He’s retiring the race as well, to make room for a new fundraising 5k.
Next year, around the same time, the inaugural "Phil Royal Legacy: The Royal Race" will begin.
It will be the same time of the year, in the same place, raising money for Jessie’s Place. This race will honor Phil Royal, the Citrus County man who was running to be the next sheriff when he suddenly died a few months ago. He was 47 and spent 28 years in public service.