Turf Valley Trot to Pay Tribute to Zach Lederer of Ellicott City

Those looking to burn off calories before their Thanksgiving feast—and raise money in honor of an Ellicott City man—may want to sign up for the second annual Turf Valley Trot.

This year’s race will take 10K runners and 1-mile walkers around the Turf Valley golf course on Sunday, Nov. 23. Proceeds benefit the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation, which provides scholarships, research and outreach for cancer patients and their support networks. It is named after Zach Lederer of Ellicott City, who died in March 2014 after a battle with brain cancer.

Related: Zach Lederer, Inspiration for ‘Zaching,’ Dies at Age 20

Lederer made national headlines for flexing from his hospital bed in 2012 after receiving brain surgery, a pose that became known as “Zaching.” This year’s Turf Valley Trot will honor his memory with a special shirt designed by Columbia-based Nightmare Graphics. Those who finish the race will also receive “Zaching Against Cancer medals” from the graphics company, whose founder met Lederer in 2012 and called him a “wonderful young man,” according to The Baltimore Sun.

The Turf Valley Trot’s inaugural run in 2013 celebrated the grand opening of Turf Valley Towne Square, the shopping center that includes Harris Teeter off US Route 40 at Resort Drive.

Last year’s race raised $4,000 for Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, which helps those in need in Howard County. At this year’s event, there will be bins where people can donate canned goods for those at Grassroots.

Register for the race or get more information about the Turf Valley Trot.

Photos of Turkey Trot 2013, left, and Zach Lederer, right.

Related:

• Zach Lederer, Inspiration Behind ‘Zaching,’ Returns Home After Being on Life Support
• ’Zaching’ Through the Pain
• Zach Lederer, Inspiration for ‘Zaching,’ Dies at Age 20
• Ellicott City Teen with Brain Cancer Inspires Web Sensation