Discover Downtown Columbia Sept. 27

The Downtown Columbia Partnership and the Howard County Library System are hosting the second annual Discover Downtown Columbia 5K and Fun Run on Sunday, Sept. 27, starting at 9 a.m. at The Plaza at The Mall in Columbia.

Runners will weave through Symphony Woods and across the stage of Merriweather Post Pavilion and around the newly completed Lakefront path, finishing at the People Tree. The course winds past many iconic Downtown Columbia landmarks, as well as new ones, such as the playful towering flower sculptures of the Promenade at The Metropolitan luxury apartments.

Three live bands are featured during the event. The Sons of Pirates, sponsored by the Columbia Festival of the Arts, will perform at the Race Start beginning at 7:30 a.m. Sponsored by Merriweather Post Pavilion, the band Heads Up will be featured on stage at the pavilion. Fren-Z will present a two-hour performance sponsored by the Columbia Association at Race Finish on the Lakefront stage.

Also at Race Finish, Whole Foods Market will be hosting a “Fueled by Whole Foods” area to include the complimentary post-race food for participants, and Clyde’s will host a Beer Garden with free beer for participants over 21. Both will also have food and beverages for purchase.

Registration fees are $35 for the 5K and $10 for the 1-mile Fun Run. Runners and walkers are welcome. Register at discoverdowntown5k.com.