It’s takes place this weekend at the Fairgrounds.
Frederick, Md. (KM) – Runners will be lacing up their shoes this weekend as the Frederick Running Festival returns. It will be held this weekend at the Fairgrounds.
At a kick off event on Friday at City Hall, Mayor Michael O’Connor said it was great to have it back in Frederick after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s really exciting to have the Festival back where it belongs, at the beginning of May, in an improving community environment as far the pandemic is concerned and everything we’ve been through as a community over the last two years,” he said.
The Mayor said the Frederick Running Festival marks the beginning of the many festivals and events throughout the spring and summer.
Corrigan Sports Enterprises, which puts on the event, says runners from 36 states will be participating in this year’s event.
Dave Ziedelis, the Executive Director of Visit Frederick, says the Running Festival benefits the local economy as runners eat at local restaurants, stay in local hotels and shop at local stores. “Studies have shown that the Frederick Running Festival generates over $3-million of annual economic impact to Frederick. And since it’s inception 20 years ago, the Frederick Running Festival is approaching over $40-million in total economic activity, and more than $600,000 have been raised for non-profits and charities.”
During the briefing, Corregan Sports Enterprises presented donations to two local charities which provide volunteers for the Running Festival. A $2,000 check was turned over to Community Living, and $5,000 was donated to the Frederick Rescue Mission.
There’s also something new this year A charity called “What Would Stew Dew” has been formed in honor of Lt. Andrew “Stew” Alcorn with the Frederick Police who died suddenly last summer. Chief Jason Lando and Officer Tony Lawson will be running in the Half Marathon, and Corrigan Sports Enterprises will donate $1 for every person the two pass during their run.
Chief Lando said he’s not a runner. “So Officer Tony Lawson is actually a runner who runs this race every year,” he said. “So he agreed to split the duties with me. We split ’em evenly. I’m not good at math so he’s doing the first ten miles, and I’m doing the last three. So I think that’s pretty fair, right.”
Jennifer Alcorn is Lt. Alcorn’s widow. “The fund are going to go to support our community’s first responders as well as organizations like the Child Advocacy Center and Mental Health Association that support kids and families,” she said.
The Half Marathon begins at 7:00 AM on Sunday, May 1st. Runners will start in front of the Fairgrounds on East Patrick Street. The course takes them through downtown Frederick, past Hood College to the northern half of the city. And then the course takes runners to the track in front of the Grandstand at the Fairgrounds.
By Kevin McManus