Williams Lake 10K Trail Challenge

It started out as an easy, relaxing run through the woodlands of northern Santa Rosa County. Then and idea came to Matt Dobson and his father, Roger. How about a 10K run through the woods and call it the Williams Lake 10K Trail Challenge. The rest is now history. On Saturday, June 15, 2013 Dobson, through his faith-based organization called Living With Purpose, coordinated a 10K trail run to benefit the preservation and restoration of the Coon Hill Cemetery. Coon Hill was once a bustling little community in the 1800s and the cemetery is still there. The oldest grave is more than 170 years old and the Coon Hill Cemetery is the oldest in northern Santa Rosa. The graveyard lies east of Williams Lake and the Escambia River and is located near the Escambia River Water Management Area.
The cemetery has fallen on hard times in recent years due to vandalism and desecration. After the expenses of t-shirts, awards, and other amenities the race cleared $2300.00. “Thanks to the generous sponsors, enthusiastic runners and walkers, and hard working volunteers we were able to make a nice donation to the Coon Hill Cemetery Trustees,” said Dobson. “This was a community event for a local community need. I grew up in this area and consider it a duty to try and make it a better place to live.” Dobson would like to thank all those who had a part in making this a successful event. An official check presentation will take place at New Bethel Baptist Church in Jay on Friday, June 21, 2013 at 7:00pm.