4/12/14 Hospice Run Travel Advisory and Route Changes

Annual Run & Fun Walk to Benefit Hospice Set for Saturday

The Annual Run and Fun Walk for Hospice is set for Saturday, April 12 at 8:30 AM at the Governmental Center in Leonardtown. Over the years, the event has developed into both annual rite of spring and a Southern Maryland tradition. Longtime volunteer Jim Dicus, along with friends Jamie and Jeff Thomas, founded the event 19 years ago to raise funds and increase awareness of the Hospice philosophy of providing compassionate care to the terminally ill. “The thousands of participants who come out and support this event every year – they are all hospice volunteers for a day” said Dicus. 100% of all net proceeds from the event stay in St. Mary’s County and go towards offsetting the cost of providing care to patients who may have limited or no insurance for end of life care. Or to fund grief and bereavement programs and camps for family members – such as a child who’s lost a parent or sibling. “We don’t turn anyone away”.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY – ROUTE CHANGES
This year the police and organizers will NOT be shutting down the Route 5 intersection; however, motorists are advised there may be delays in the Leonardtown area from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. The Fun Walk will proceed through the downtown area of Leonardtown. To mitigate and minimize effects on traffic at the intersection, 5K Run has a new course:
5K RUN COURSE – THIS IS A DIFFERENT ROUTE THAN PREVIOUS YEARS

The 5K run will start simultaneously with the 10K event. Runners will start in front of Carter Building and will cross Route 245 with the Walkers. They will follow the right shoulder of Route 245 and then turn RIGHT onto to Doctor’s Crossing Way. The 5K Course will then turn RIGHT onto Miss Bessie Drive, RIGHT onto Moakley Street, make a TURNAROUND at the dead end on Moakley and make a 2nd TURNAROUND near the Board of Education Building. Runners will then proceed RIGHT onto Miss Bessie Drive, left onto Route 245, crossing back over Route 245 at Baldridge Street and finish at the Carter Building. 5K RUNNERS always stay to right of the road and only cross Route 245 at the entrances of the Governmental Center. 

If you are travelling on Route 245/Hollywood Road/Washington Street or if you live in the Singletree neighborhood, please be prepared for delays. This is a rain or shine event. For more information call 240-925-5423 or visit www.runforhospice.org.

The event is known for its inclusive, friendly and festive atmosphere. There is ample free parking, and the event is ideal for the novice runner competing for the first time. There are numerous volunteers on staff to assist with registration or answer any questions. The courses are well marked, and both the 5K and 10K runs are paced with vehicles and monitored. The event is professionally timed and scored. However, you don’t have to be a runner to enjoy the event. Approximately 1/3 of the participants sign up for the Fun walk. It’s fun, and it’s for a great cause.