Cross Merriweather Stage at Discover Downtown Columbia 5K

Runners can cross the Columbia's fabled Merriweather Post Pavilion stage, one of the nation's best concert venues, on Sunday, Oct. 2. Columbia has just been named the country's best small city by Money Magazine.

The Downtown Columbia Partnership and Howard County Library System are hosting the third annual Discover Downtown Columbia 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run on Oct. 2, starting at 9 a.m. at The Plaza at The Mall in Columbia.

The course takes runners past and through some of Downtown Columbia’s iconic landmarks including The Mall in Columbia, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Howard County Library System’s Central Branch, Toby’s Dinner Theatre, the former Rouse Company Building (now home to Whole Foods Market and Haven On The Lake spa), ending at the People Tree at the Downtown Lakefront.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall finishers (male/female) and top finisher (male/female) in each age category. Entertainment will be featured before, during, and after the race. Clyde’s will host a Beer Garden with free beer for participants over 21.

Sponsors include Clyde’s, The Columbia Association, the Howard Hughes Corporation, Howard Community College, The Mall in Columbia, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Whole Foods Market, and Racine MultiSports.

Sponsorships are still available by contacting Barb Nicklas,barbnicklas@gmail.com.

Registration fees are $35 until Aug. 31, and $40 beginning Sept. 1.The 1-Mile Fun Run is $10. Runners and walkers are welcome. Proceeds benefit the Downtown Columbia Partnership and Howard County Library System. Register at discoverdowntown5k.com.