A Family That Runs Together Has Fun Together

With schools about to let out, summer is right around the corner.  While kids sit in class quivering with anticipation and dreaming of their pending freedom, parents dread the idea of children being home.  All. The. Time.  

However, summer can act as a perfect opportunity for families to take advantage of the  beautiful weather and participate in activities together.  A great way for families to get involved in a little friendly competition is by racing in a local race here in the Ellicott City area.  Participating in races is not only a great way to give back to the community and help raise money for a good cause, but racing gets the kids away from the tv and outside in a fun environment.  Participants at races are always warm and welcoming so no one feels like a lost puppy at their first 5k.  Added perks: a t-shirt upon registration and lots of food afterwards.

A great race in the Ellicott City area is none other than the Ellicott City 5k.  Held on Saturday, July 30th, this race raises money and promotes awareness for diabetes.  This event begins in Banneker Historical Park and is a wonderful race for new racers and children.  The race winds through the gorgeous and certainly scenic Trolley #9 Trail and keeps well away from busy roads and traffic.  The Ellicott City 5k is not only a perfect opportunity to get involved in the community, but an fun way to promote a healthy lifestyle and get the whole family outside and moving!  The race is put together by a  local philanthropic group called Adventures for the Cure.  Check them out!

This next race is for girls only-sorry, no boys allowed!  The Baltimore Women's Classic is a wonderful race that raises money and awareness for gynocological cancers.  Though this race is  located Federal Hill and not in Ellicott City area, this race is a really unique race to do as a mother-daughter duo.  As the second longest running women's only race in the United States, this race has so much support from volunteers and locals that a girl can be nothing but inspired to run.  Local news celebrity, Denise Koch, acts as the Master of Ceremony and sends people off  on their 3.1-mile run through the scenic Federal Hill community.  Held on June 26th in Rash Field, the BWC offers a great expo filled with vendors displaying state-of-the-art athletic merchandise and free goodies.  There is even a fun run for the kids!  As a past participant of this race, I can only say that I will be doing it again this year and have nothing but wonderful things to say about this venue.  

With summer finally here and school about to let out, there is finally time within a family's busy schedule to do things together.  There are so many ways to get involved with the community as a family and what better way to do so than through an activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle!  These are only two races amongst a sea of opportunities, but everyone needs a place to start!  The Ellicott City 5k and The Baltimore Women's Classic are great races for great causes and provide a welcoming atmosphere for anyone's first 5k! Hope to see you there!