Where were you on September 3, 1994? Did you run in the 1st Kentlands 5K, or do you know anyone who did? Have you or anyone you know run in all 24 races and plan to run in the upcoming 25th Anniversary Kentlands/Lakelands 5K on September 1?
This annual 5K has come a long way for a race that began as part of the day to close the Kentlands pool at the end of the summer. It has grown into a tremendous community-building event – extended into the Lakelands to become the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K – attracting more than 1100 runners every year staged by more than 100 volunteers. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the race, the committee would like to recognize anyone has run every single race each and every year and/or people who have run the race 20 or more times. If anyone knows of these special runners, please let me know.
We know the runners will be coming because it is a great race on a phenomenal course. We know the volunteers will be coming because we have always had great community support. Let us know you are planning on running or volunteering. To sign up as either a runner, walker, kid’s fun runner, or a volunteer, please go to the Foundation’s website at #. With the race less than four weeks out, we still need many more volunteers. Volunteers pick their volunteer spot at #. If you have a favorite corner to cheer on the race or love packet pickup, you tell us where you want to be. Look through the list of available sign up spots and choose where you want to be. The best for last: volunteers are invited to the after race ‘Thank You’ dinner. Reserve the evening of September 5 and be ready to enjoy a wonderful meal provided by Potomac Grocer highlighting their lasagna. Race day breakfast for the volunteers will be catered by Chik-Fil-A who will bring their chicken biscuit. I know I have written a lot about volunteering in the past six months. Now, I am asking everyone who may be considering volunteering, please sign up.
We are working hard to make this race a special day. One exciting addition this year to the Expo after the race is a bigger and better Kid’s entertainment area. After the two Fun Runs, all the young athletes will have their own place to celebrate their run. Mad Science is coming to share its science wizardry. The moon bounces courtesy of Great Kids Events will be back. New this year will be a giant Jenga © and more courtesy of the City of Gaithersburg! On the course, Kentlands Foundation’s own Acoustic Jam will provide musical encouragement. Members of the Quince Orchard High School Marching Band will play on race day, too.
While I have watched and cheered on the runners and walkers for years as a course marshal and from my front steps, this year is my first year having a front row seat to all the hard work by so many dedicated people to make the race a success. I know I am looking forward to it. See you on Race Day!