Zero K Run Requires No Sweat, But All The Fun While Helping Harford Co. Residents

EDGEWOOD, MD — The second annual Zero K Run supporting youth and families in Harford County will take place Thursday.

The event has become quite popular with participants, explained Rebecca R. Jessop, president of the Southern Harford County Rotary.

"Popularity is growing, because it's inclusive of everyone.We heard about the concept and realized that there wasn't anyone else around here doing it," Jessop told Patch.

The Zero K Run requires participants to run or walk zero kilometers. Everyone still receives a T-shirt and race bib. When the race starts, a horn blares and everyone stands up - then sits back down. Participants are encouraged to enjoy games during the event and wear a costume to earn prizes.

As organizers say, it's "all the fun of a run, but none of the running."

“The Zero K Run is an event everyone can take part in, whether you stand up, sit down or simply come out and celebrate," the event coordinators Suzanne Green told Patch.

Proceeds from the event will support the Southern Harford County Rotary Foundation’s mission to assist children in southern Harford County - Joppa, Edgewood, Belcamp and Abingdon areas. Through service projects, community partnerships, meetings and social events, SHCRF works to address local needs, supports youth and their families, and contribute to Rotary’s global efforts.

"Thanks to last year’s proceeds, the Southern Harford County Rotary Club was able to replace a community food pantry in Joppatowne, support Magnolia Middle School’s eighth-grade dance, provide a scholarship to Harford Community College and partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to ensure children in our county have beds of their own. Our mission is to support children in southern Harford County—individually and through their families—so they can reach their full potential, and we look forward to creating even more meaningful opportunities for local children and families in the year ahead," Green told Patch.

The Zero 5K Run will be held Thursday at Independent Brewing Company from 5:30 to 8 p.m..

For more information, visit www.southharfordrotary.org.