Since its founding in 2009, the Maryland Half Marathon has raised more than $450,000 in the fight against cancer. That fight (and the 13.1-mile run) is coming to Maple Lawn on Sunday, May 15.

“When we named it the Maryland Half Marathon, it was designed to move to different locations throughout the state. It keeps the race fresh and attracts new runners,” said Michael Greenebaum, who co-founded the race with Jon Sevel in 2009.

“Howard County is a very health-conscious county,” Greenebaum said. He also mentioned the county's location, between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., as a draw for half-marathoners.

Approximately 2,000 runners are expected to gather at the starting line at eight o’clock on Sunday morning.  

When the race begins, runners will take on a course that features the hilliest section in the first half.

“It is somewhat hilly. It’s challenging, but fair,” said Greenebaum of the 13.1 miles.

 “I think runners will be impressed with the scenic beauty of the course,” Greenebaum said. “It’s going to be a very pretty run.”

The race finishes with a loop through the Maple Lawn community, designed to draw spectator support for runners in the final mile.

That same community has come forward to support the Maryland Half Marathon. Event partners include Charm City Run, which has a store in Clarksville; Road Runner Sports in Elkridge; Feet First Sports in Columbia; and the Howard County Striders. Looney’s in Maple Lawn is sponsoring the post-race party, which will also feature a “PNC Kids Zone” and live entertainment.

“We’ve gotten a lot of local sponsorships,” Greenebaum said. “Businesses in Maple Lawn have stepped forward … in supporting the fight against cancer.”

Support has also come from the county, and from local schools.

“The county executive [Ken Ulman] on down have welcomed us with open arms,” said Greenebaum. “The local community has been terrific.”

The Cedar Lane School in Fulton (about 15 minutes southwest of Columbia) provided volunteers to stuff bags for packet pickup.

Runners can pick up these race packets—which typically include race numbers (bibs) and a race premium (such as a T-shirt)—the week before the half marathon at locations in Annapolis, Bel Air, Clarksville, Timonium and Maple Lawn, or just before the start of the race on Sunday.

“It’s great to have an event and actually get that type of support,” Greenebaum said of the Cedar Lane School.

Other schools in Howard County have assisted in marketing the race and supporting water stops. Community groups like Grace Community Church will also be providing water support on race day.

This year, the Maryland Half Marathon offered a training program, Marlene’s Mission, named for Marlene Greenebaum, Michael Greenebaum's mother and a breast cancer survivor.  

Participants in the Marlene’s Mission training team include new half-marathoners and cancer survivor Carl Womack. Approximately 40 people committed to fundraise this year, with individual goals set at $1,500.

“Many have raised well above that number,” said Michael Greenebaum. “The program has been very well received.”

Marlene’s Mission runners receive running gear, entry to the race, eligibility for special fundraising premiums, a training program and “VIP treatment” on race day, to name just a few benefits. They also had the opportunity to tour the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

“It’s a way of getting plugged in at a deeper level. They can really understand the research and what the money they raise is doing,” said Greenebaum.

Benefits like this are a way to highlight awareness of the cancer center, which ranked 21st in the 2010 U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” ranking.

Funds raised from the Maryland Half Marathon will benefit the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center. This year, the Maryland Half Marathon has also partnered with the Ulman Cancer Fund, and will donate 10 percent of its net proceeds to that program, according to an announcement on the race's website.

Area residents wishing to get involved can still register in person at packet pickups, or contribute online on the Maryland Half marathon’s website. They can also volunteer on race day.

“Every dollar is deeply appreciated,” said Greenebaum. “Come on out and support us. It’s for a great cause.”