Every April for the past 4 years, SeaWorld Orlando has hosted the Dream Big 5k, to benefit the Dawn Brancheau Foundation.

On this morning, April 12, hundreds of people and many SeaWorld employees who worked with Dawn, gathered at SeaWorld to run or walk and celebrate her life

The first mile of the 5k went around the parking lot, but once that was completed, we entered the park and began at the Bayside path, which is usually where special events take place.

We crossed the bridge back towards the front of the park.

After crossing the bridge we immediately went past the Waterfront shops and restaurants.

The Waterfront is one of the nicest areas of the park, in my opinion, and was great to run through without a huge crowd.

Back at the front of the park, you can see the new sign for the 50th anniversary celebration, right next to Manta.

The flamingos weren't the most enthusiastic cheerleaders as we ran by.

The sun was just starting to rise above Manta.

Over at Dolphin Cove, the dolphins were already playing and ready to start their day.

The newest area of the park, Antarctica, was finally not packed with people and I was able to take a quick look at how nice it looks there.

It isn't a terribly large area, but it's impressive. And Journey to Atlantis makes an appearance in the background.

The last part of the course in the park took us through Shamu's Happy Harbor.

The final mile marker before rounding the corner to the finish line in the parking lot near where we started. 

I should also note that Dawn's brother gave a lovely opening speech before the race began, and some of Dawn's favorite songs were played along the course. It's a really nice tribute to her, and you can see how loved she was.

Some information about this years event: 

Make a Difference Only You Can Make!

Please join us for the 4th Annual Dream Big 5K, a family friendly fun run. The Dawn Brancheau Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children and animals in need, inspiring others to follow their dreams, and promoting the importance of community service.

This year's event proceeds will be used to refurbish our adopted villas at Give Kids the World, purchase farm equipment for the expansion of Dawn's Garden at Edgewood Children's Ranch, buy new bunk beds for the children at Central Florida Children's Home, construct Dawn's Playground for the children at Matthew's Hope, add exercise equipment to Dawn's Play Yard at Osceola County Animal Services, and supply veterinary care and medicines to the dogs at Harbor House Paws for Peace Kennel and Orange County Animal Services. Please help us "Pack the Pick-Ups" by donating new and gently-used running shoes for the homeless men, women, and children serviced by Matthew's Hope.

All participants are invited to join our community service projects taking place at SeaWorld immediately after our event. Volunteers may proceed to Sea Harbor Pavilion to assemble "Doggie Adoption Bags" for the families serviced by Osceola County Animal Services and to assemble "Family Food Bags" to be donated to the families serviced by Matthew's Hope. 

Thanks for all you do to help us keep Dawn's light shining and make our world just a little bit brighter!

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