Registration Now Open for Annual Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Race & Kids Fun Runs

GAITHERSBURG, MD - From the City of Gaithersburg: Online registration closes on August 31 for the 24th Annual Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Run, Walk and Kids Fun Runs, scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2017. The popular chip-timed Run/Walk, limited to the first 1,500 registrants, may sell out and early online registration is encouraged. The Kids Fun Runs are limited to the first 350 registrants.

The Labor Day weekend event includes a 5K Run and Walk, two Kids Fun Runs, and a Post-Race Merchant Expo on Kentlands Market Square Plaza, bringing thousands of participants to Kentlands Downtown. New this year are dry-fit shirts for each 5K registration (men’s and women’s sizes available) and a Corporate/Community team competition featuring great prizes. As always, kids’ cotton t-shirts are included with each Fun Run registration. The after-race Expo features free food and samplings from many local vendors, with a beer and wine garden making its appearance for the second year. Adult beverages are $5 each (ID required). Family team prizes, age group prizes and raffle prizes round out the many benefits.

The loop course, featuring water stops and live entertainment, winds through Lakelands and Kentlands, starting and finishing on Main Street behind Market Square Plaza. The course passes many civic landmarks, allowing participants to experience the uniqueness of this new urbanist community.

Hosted by Kentlands Community Foundation in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg, the Kentlands/Lakelands race has grown to be the largest 5K in Montgomery County. The Kentlands Community Foundation annually donates 50% of race proceeds to local charities. In 2016, a total of $13,400 was donated to the City of Gaithersburg Dolores Swoyer Camp Scholarship Fund, The Dwelling Place and Maryland Senior Olympics.

Learn more about the run and register online at https://kentlandsfoundation.org/annual-5k/.

View the race map and learn about parking restrictions at https://kentlandsfoundation.org/annual-5k/map-parking/.

Registration is also available in person at one of two race packet pickup events in Kentlands or at the event itself on Race Day if slots are available:

· Thursday, August 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fleet Feet Sports, 255 Kentlands Boulevard (in the Giant shopping center)

· Friday, September 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Whole Foods Market, 316 Kentlands Blvd.

· Race Day, Saturday, September 2 on Main Street near the Start/Finish Line at 7 a.m.

Course Marshals and many other volunteers are needed to ensure that the route is clear and safe from traffic and to help the race, fun runs and post-race festivities run smoothly. All volunteers receive a free t-shirt, a free breakfast on Race Day, and an invitation to the post-event “Thank You!” party. SSL hours are available for students. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/MD/Gaithersburg/KentlandsLakelands5KRunWalk

Many local Gaithersburg and Montgomery County businesses help sponsor the 5K. For just $300 a business can be a sponsor and have a table at the Merchant Expo. If you are interested, please email Kentlands5K@gmail.com.

Image via Pixabay