Leonardtown, MD – It’s an early April classic. “It’s a phenomenal, a lot of energy,” said Jim Dicus, the director of biggest and, arguably, best running event. The 2018 Run and Fun Walk for Hospice of St. Mary’s County will be held for the 23rd straight year in Leonardtown, Saturday, April 14. The event is both a 5 kilometer (K) and 10K race. Both races begin and end at the St. Mary’s County Governmental Center on Route 245.
Since the race started in 1996 over $700,000 has been raised for St. Mary’s Hospice. In noting the race is a true family event, Dicus told TheBayNet.com that the local hospice, “helps all these families. That’s why people keep coming.” All of the event’s proceeds go to the local hospice. “The money stays right here and it pays for patient care,” Dicus said. The St. Mary’s Hospice programs bring comfort and solace to terminally ill residents and their families at a time when it’s most needed. Some health insurance providers may not extend coverage for some paid medications, so hospice helps those needing aid.
Dicus said it is always gratifying to see young people and youth groups participating in the race. “It teaches them about the community,” said Dicus, who added the entire event “elevates the public awareness of what we do.”
The race is called the “Run and Fun Walk” because it is truly fun for the entire community. The passionate runners have their opportunities to attain medals—there are several age categories—plus those racing in groups often vie for one of the event’s coveted trophies. Community members who just want to be part of the effort can also enjoy a group stroll through beautiful Leonardtown.
One of the race’s more interesting sidebar stories for 2018 will be young Parker McDowell’s quest to win a fourth straight 10K. The teen has won the 10K his freshman, sophomore and junior years of high school. Is a “four-peat” possible? Stay tuned.
The most popular component of the event is the “World Famous Brunch.” Dicus said volunteers “are ramping it up this year” so that they don’t run out of food. The repast includes hot dogs, barbecue, soup, pasta, fruit and baked goods.
There will be same day registration and participants can also have special memorial bibs to wear during the dash to memorialize or honor a loved one.
The races will start at 8:30 a.m. Recommends that participants arrive at the Governmental Center between 7 and 8 a.m. There is onsite parking available on a first-come basis.
Not going to the event? Motorists bound for the Leonardtown area—either on Route 245 or Route 5 should be advised that there is anticipated gridlock in Leonardtown during the early morning hours, especially between 8:30 to approximately 10:30 a.m. when the remaining participants complete their course. There could be some residual backup as participants gradually depart the start/finish venue.
Everything you need to know about the 23rd annual Run and Fun Walk for Hospice of St. Mary’s is available at the event’s web site.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com