With less than two weeks left until the 3rd Annual University Park Azalea Classic 5K Run/1K Family Fun Run on April 17 in University Park, MD, run organizers are excited about growing interest in this community fitness event to benefit the University Park Elementary School PTA.

As race co-sponsor, the Town of University Park will again host this event and the town's police force will assist with traffic management along the beautiful azalea-lined, residential streets of the race course. Azalea Classic 5K participants will be urged on by cheering neighbors and several local youth bands. There will be a water table and mile times will be called out to runners.

The 1st Annual Azalea Classic was dedicated to the memory of University Park residents lost in the September 11, 2001, Pentagon disaster. This year, the University Park Elementary School (UPES) 6th grade students are inviting Fox 5 News Reporter Holly Morris to serve as Honorary Chair of the event and to visit UPES for a cross-country training session with UPES students.

During the school year, UPES students train for the Azalea Classic 1K Family Fun Run and many students will participate in a practice run along the 1K course the week before the race. Every Azalea Classic 1K participant will receive a medal for participation in the race, which takes place in front of the elementary school on Queen's Chapel Rd.

All 5K and 1K race participants will receive a colorful, commemorative Azalea Classic t-shirt designed by a University Park resident and UPES parent. Prizes, including gift certificates and merchandise, will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group and everyone has a chance to win great random prizes after the race! Post-race festivities also will include a DJ with games and activities for younger participants and great food from The Bagel Place, Atlanta Bread Company, Smoothie King, South Mountain Creamery, PowerBar, and Honest Tea.

Race organizer Moira Abernethy anticipates that more than 400 runners and walkers from across the Washington metropolitan area will take part in 3rd Annual Azalea Classic.

Find out more about this healthy and fun-filled family event at the official race Web site or register online at www.signmeupsports.com. Individuals and groups interested in volunteer opportunities should contact Ellen O'Neill.