"Running Fir Wreaths" will raise awareness and funds for the wreaths placed each December at Arlington National Cemetery.
Cathy Powers is the mother of the late Senior Airman Bryce Kenneth Powers, U.S. Air Force, who passed away in 2013 while serving Japan. This year, to honor her son and all veterans, Cathy plans to run 1,000 miles with a portion in each state as a way to raise awareness and funds for the balsam wreaths placed each December in Arlington National Cemetery. She calls this endeavor "Running Fir Wreaths," and on September 11, you can support her at Quiet Waters Park.
Cathy Powers will bring Running Fir Wreaths to Quiet Waters Park on September 11. (Courtesy of facebook.com)
9/11 Remember-Honor-Teach 5K
On Wednesday, September 11, Quiet Waters Park will host 4 races: a 1-mile family fun run/walk; a 5K for first responders, military personnel, or veterans; a 5K for participants 17 years old and under; and a 5K for ages 18 and up. All races start at 6 p.m. This event is part of Maryland's Day to Serve, an "annual initiative that transcends political and religious differences ... with the shared goal of helping those in need and improving the communities where we live."
The family fun run costs $5 to register, plus a $2 registration fee. Military personnel, first responders, and veterans can run their 5K for free. If you're 17 and under, your 5K is $15 while 18 and up is $30, plus a $2.50 registration fee. Proceeds go to Cathy Powers and Running Fir Wreaths. You can register for the event online or the day of at Quiet Waters Park right up until 6 p.m.
Additional Events
Earlier in the day, beginning at 11:30, you can sign up to participate in cleanup at Quiet Waters Park as a way to kick off Day to Serve. Then at 5:30 p.m., there will be an opening ceremony for the 9/11 Remember-Honor-Teach 5K, including a presentation of colors, a moment of silence, the National Anthem, a speech from Cathy Powers, and more. The races begin at 6 p.m., followed by refreshments at 6:30. If you do not wish to run or walk, donations are appreciated.
This event will be a great way to show gratitude to the local community and to veterans. It will also be a great way to care for our environment and get great exercise all while supporting one woman's fitness goals and service to our country.
Let us know in the comments if you plan to stop by Quiet Waters Park next Wednesday!
The Run-Around is a weekly feature, focusing on fitness in and around Annapolis, MD.
