MoCo Interfaith 5k - Run, Walk and Stand For Unity!

MLK famously said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that."

The Montgomery County Interfaith 5K race began as a way to help foster community and understanding by promoting acceptance of all religions, ethnicities, and cultures.

This Labor Day, come together with your neighbors to run, walk and stand for unity. Shaare Torah Jewish Community, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and the Islamic Society of the Washington Area are hosting the Second Annual Montgomery County Interfaith 5K Walk/Run and Kids Fun Run. Adults and children of all backgrounds, faith, and athletic abilities are welcome to participate. Last year, over 300 MoCo residents shared in this fun and health-promoting activity and raised more than $3,375 for Gaithersburg HELP. Pastor Christine Dunn of Prince of Peace spoke of the spirit of the event, "In the aftermath of Charlottesville I think many of us feel like we need to do something. This 5K is a great way to run, walk, and stand together with our brothers and sisters from many different ethnic backgrounds and religions and demonstrate there is still goodness and light in the world."

The Montgomery County Interfaith 5K starts at 8:00 am on September 4, 2017 at Maryland Soccerplex, located at 18031 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD 20841. Runners and walkers start together, with stroller runners at the back of the pack. The course is a loop, so fans and family can cheer their athletes at the start and finish from the same location. Registration ($35 pre-race and $40 on the day of the race) is open online at www.mocointerfaith5k.org.

The Tot Trot for children 2 to 5 years old happens at 9:00 am followed by the Kid’s 1k Fun Run for 6 to 12 year-olds at 9:10 am. Registration for either event is $12.

Proceeds from the race will be donated to Gaithersburg HELP and C-4; both organizations represent interfaith coalitions and serve County residents in need in Greater Gaithersburg and the Colesville community. Learn more at www.gaithersburghelp.org and www.transfig.org/mission/c-4.html.

There are various opportunities to support the Interfaith 5K through sponsorships, in-kind donations, and running. Congregations can also participate as supporters of participants. Contact Interfaith5K@gmail.com for more information.

The Interfaith 5K represents not only a wonderful opportunity to get to know your neighbors, but also to support your neighbors in need through Gaithersburg Help and C-4.

Run, walk, and stand with us as we shine the light and show our community what hope and peace looks like.