An unexpected but welcome participant showed up at the seventh annual “Keep Your Colon Rollin’ 5 kilometer” race Saturday, March 24. It was—Mr. Sun!
Despite a gloomy forecast of showers and thunderstorms, the trek, held at Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, drew nearly 200 participants. They were rewarded with a healthy dose of sunshine, a fairly dry course plus food and door prizes at the post race celebration. The latter amenities were courtesy of 10 local businesses.
The event raises cash for Calvert Healthcare Solutions, a venture designed to aid Calvert County residents who have no health insurance.
More importantly, the race, which is coordinated by the Calvert County Health Department, raises awareness of colon cancer and the importance for individuals 50 and over or with a family history of the disease to have colorectal cancer screening.
Dr. Dolores Rhodes of Chesapeake Beach told the participants prior to the race that colorectal cancer is still a leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and the percentage is slightly higher in Calvert County.
The race attracted runners from all three Southern Maryland counties, with a handful of participants hailing from Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties and Northern Virginia.
Jeremy Hall, 14 of Waldorf, was the 5K’s top overall finisher. Hall’s time was 17 minutes and 38 seconds. He bested another 14-year-old, Jordan Blankenship of St. Leonard, by 15 seconds.
Jessica Schwab, 29 of Mechanicsville, was the top female finisher with a time of 19 minutes and 55 seconds.
Complete results are posted on the Chesapeake Bay Running Club’s web site at www.cbrcmd.org.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
