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Today may be a scorcher, but crisp fall air is just around the corner. Along with football and all things pumpkin, the new season means a full slate of upcoming races for runners of all ages and abilities. Here are a few running events scheduled in the coming weeks.
September 15: Stefanie Ashdown Memorial 5K Run and One-Mile Walk
Anne Arundel Community College
This will be the eighth-annual “Do Your Best” 5K and one-mile walk hosted by Stef Ripple, a nonprofit founded to honor the legacy of Severna Park High School graduate Stefanie Ashdown, who lost her life to ovarian cancer in 2017.
Scheduled for Sunday, September 15, this event is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. In 2023, the race raised $36,000 for ovarian cancer patients and their families.
Organizers moved the event to Anne Arundel Community College this year to enhance safety and provide more parking. Their mission to provide awareness, hope, encouragement and support for ovarian cancer patients and their families goes unchanged.
Packets can be picked up on race day beginning at 7:30am. A kids’ fun run will kick things off at 8:00am, followed by the 5K at 8:15am and one-mile walk at 8:30am. Awards will be presented at 9:15am.
September 21: Karen Stevens Memorial Kids Triathlon
Severna Park Community Center and B&A Trail
Athletes ages 14 and under will have their time to shine on Saturday, September 21, at the Karen Stevens Memorial Kids Triathlon.
Held annually since 2009, this action-packed event is in memory of former Severna Park Community Center swim instructor Karen Stevens, who lost her life to cancer that year.
Stevens taught children of all abilities to swim; proceeds from this triathlon will benefit the SEALS swim program at the community center, which offers adaptive swim lessons free of charge.
There are three courses/distances available to participants: 11- to 14-year-olds (400 yards or 16 lengths swim, four-mile bike ride, one-and-a-half-mile run), 10 and under (200 yards or eight lengths swim, two-mile bike ride, 0.75 mile run) and the Junior Tri-it, which has welcomed athletes as young as 3 years of age (50 yards or two lengths swim, one-eighth mile bike ride, run of one 10th of a mile).
Check-in will begin at 7:00am on race day at the Severna Park Community Center, with races starting at 7:30am. Early registration ends Monday, September 2. Register online and learn more.
September 28: PRO-Vision Memorial 10K Run and 5K Walk/Run
Severna Park Elks Lodge, B&A Trail
The PRO-Vision Memorial Foundation invites those seeking competition, camaraderie and everything in between to their 10K run and 5K walk/run on Saturday, September 28.
The races will begin at the Severna Park Elks Lodge at 8:30am and take participants along the B&A Trail. Participants are invited to stay after the races for awards and live music.
Proceeds from this event will benefit Orphan Grain Train (OGT) and the Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Last year’s inaugural event allowed for a $10,000 donation to OGT, a Christian nonprofit that serves those in need, both locally and globally.
The PRO-Vision Memorial Foundation honors the memory of Severna Park High School graduate Paul Overton, who was a fitness enthusiast and was passionate about mentoring others on their wellness journey.
Visit the PRO-Vision Memorial Foundation website to register.
September 29: Get Your Rear in Gear 5K/Walk
Anne Arundel Community College
When Anne Arundel County resident and runner Wendy Paxton was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 40, it was a shock. Thanks to early detection and treatment, Paxton is now cancer-free and paying it forward.
“After my battle with cancer, I realized there must be a reason I’m still here, and I wanted to make a difference. This 5K is my way of giving back and helping others who are facing the same fight,” Paxton said.
This is the third year Paxton has hosted the “Get Your Rear in Gear” 5K/walk, which will be held Sunday, September 29, at Anne Arundel Community College.
Between this race and other fundraising efforts, Paxton has raised over $40,000 in the past two years for colon cancer research and financial support for patients.
Registration and packet pickup begins at 7:00am, with the opening ceremony at 8:00am.
Participants of all abilities are invited to join this race, and entry fees are waived for survivors and patients of colon cancer.
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