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Community Corner

Maryland Half Marathon & 5K

The sixth annual Maryland Half Marathon & 5K, presented by St. John Properties, to benefit the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014, in the Maple Lawn community of Howard County. New this year is the Maryland 5K, which will kick off shortly after the start of the half marathon and has an adult entry fee of $35. Registration for both races is now open at www.mdhalfmarathon.com.

“We’re looking forward to returning to Maple Lawn and are excited about the introduction of the Maryland 5K, which may appeal to individuals interested in running a shorter distance, but who are still committed to raising funds for the Greenebaum Cancer Center,” says Michael Greenebaum, race co-founder and co-chairman. “We want both the half marathon and the 5K to be fun, yet challenging, and suitable for individuals who want to run with a purpose.”

“We’re also very excited that we will be celebrating the sixth anniversary of the race, which has already raised over $1.5 million for the Greenebaum Cancer Center,” adds Jon Sevel, race co-founder and co-chairman. “Half marathons are increasingly popular, but what makes the Maryland Half Marathon unique is that 100 percent of the net proceeds benefit this nationally recognized cancer center.”

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In addition, the 2014 event will feature the return of the Kids Fun Run, sponsored by Columbia Academy. There will also be a Kids Zone, sponsored by Rosenberg Martin & Greenberg, with FREE crafts, Balloon animals, face painting and more. All participants and spectators are invited to attend the free Post Race Festival, where there will be music, a variety of vendors and fun for everyone held directly on Maple Lawn Boulevard. Following are detailed start times for the Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Fun Run:


• The half marathon starts at 8 a.m., Registration for the half marathon is $85 until April 13, 2014; and $90 from April 14 until race day.
• The Maryland 5K begins at 8:30 am. Registration for the Maryland 5K is $35.
• The Kids Fun Run begins at 8:45 am and registration is $15. The Kids Zone is free.

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For runners who want a little extra help, Pace Groups, sponsored by Rosenberg Martin & Greenberg, will be in full swing at this year’s Maryland Half Marathon, where an experienced runner from the Baltimore Pacemakers will run with a group and encourage participants to achieve their race goals. This option is included in the adult entry fee.

The Maryland Half Marathon County Cup will again be presented to the county executive representing the “home” county of the first Maryland resident to cross the finish line. For four years, Baltimore County has been awarded the cup; Harford County claimed the honor in 2010.

Michael Greenebaum and Jon Sevel started the Maryland Half Marathon in 2009, combining their passion for running with a desire to help the cancer center, which is named for Greenebaum’s parents, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum.

Kevin J. Cullen, M.D., the cancer center’s director, says, “We’re extremely grateful to all the runners and volunteers who make the Maryland Half Marathon so successful each year. The money that they have raised has been crucial to helping us provide outstanding care for our patients and to continue our research into new ways to fight cancer.”

A number of cancer survivors and members of their families take part in the half marathon each year, along with doctors, nurses and other members of the cancer center staff. Cancer survivors give medals to all those who finish the race. 

The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, is ranked in the top 50 cancer centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The cancer center offers a multidisciplinary approach to treating all types of cancer and has an active cancer research program.

For more information about the Maryland Half Marathon, visit www.mdhalfmarathon.com. To learn more about the Greenebaum Cancer Center, go to www.umgcc.org.

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