Six years in the making and the determination remains as a living tribute to a local community runner. Tim Kennard made his last run on March 11, 2004 shortly after the first event at the age of 48. Kennard was unable to participate in the first event and he lost his battle against renal cell cancer which attacks the kidneys. Kennard's friends Linda Mills and Harlan Eagle started the Tim Kennard River Run/Walk. The first four years (2004-2007) the event was a 5-miler and in 2008 the event was changed to a 10-miler and 5K.

Comcast presents the 6th Tim Kennard 10 Mile River Run & 5K will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2009 with the start and finish at Maggs Physical Activity Center on the campus of Salisbury University (SU) in Salisbury, MD. The two events will start at 8:30 a.m. Salisbury's location at the head of Wicomico River was a major factor in its becoming one of Maryland's outstanding cities. It is located on Maryland's Eastern Shore, a part of the Delmarva Peninsula.

One wish of Kennard was to have the proceeds of the race to benefit children. The Coastal Hospice of Salisbury is the beneficiary. The funds will be specifically used for pediatric cases and programs for grieving children who have lost a sibling or a parent to cancer.

The history of Coastal Hospice dates back to 1978 when concerned citizens banded together to assist the local community. According to the history from their Web site the original name was Coastal Hospice Society and their original logo was formed by the letters CHS in the shape of a ship. There was an inscription from the English writer G.K. Chesterton, "W are all in the same boat in a stormy sea, and we owe each other a terrible loyalty."

The same loyalty which has helped Coastal Hospice is that same loyalty which is helping to keep the memory of Tim Kennard alive through the run. It is not about being a fast runner but having that determination to go the distance to make a difference. Kennard was a devoted husband, father, and friend and words which ring from the first year from a family member, "Keep Tim in your mind and hearts."

"I had a great experience this year. I had never even been across the Bay in my life and it was a very well coordinated race. They started the 5K and 10-miler at the same time and the racers run together for the first two miles. I was able to trail some of the guys in the 5K and they got me into a good rhythm. It was really nice to get to run on a flat course", stated Jaron Hawkins of Frostburg, MD, the winner and record holder of the 10-miler (52:15). Hawkins is a member of the Cumberland Valley Athletic Club (CVAC).

"In the last three miles I do remember there being a slight uphill in there that I wasn't expecting. I ended up running 52:15. I would love to run faster and that is always my goal. I really just want to go to this race again," added Hawkins. In 2007, Hawkins placed third (2:25:34) at the Marine Corps Marathon and fourth (2:25:19) in 2008.

The top runners will be going after $1,400 in prize money. There is equal money for males and females in the 5K and 10-miler:

5K-Open $150-100-50, Master $50
10 Miler Open $150-100-50 Master $50

Event Records:

5K
Open		Mike Fleg	15:43		Cara Wettlaufer	        17:40
Master		Greg Cauller	17:12		Kathleen Petrera	21:24
10-Miler
Open		Jaron Hawkins	52:15		Josei Brown		1:12:01
Master		Mike Tigani	1:04:41	        Theresa Moody	        1:18:24

Registration

The dates for registration fees below refer to the postmark 
date. Entries postmarked after February 23, 2009 will not be 
processed. You still may register in person Saturday, February 
28 (Noon - 5:00 p.m.) or race day, Sunday, March 1 
(6:30 - 7:30 a.m.). 
Pre-registration up to February 23, 2009
$25 - 10 mile run
$25 - 5K Run
$25 - 5K Non-Competitive Walk
After February 23
$35 - 10 mile run
$35 - 5K run
$35 -  5K Non-Competitive Run 
Race Day Registration March 1, 6:30-7:30 a.m.
$40 - 10 mile run
$40 -  5K Run
$40 - 5K Non-Competitive Run 
Weekend Run/Walk Activities
Family Sports and Fitness Expo, Saturday February 28th
Noon - 5:00 p.m. (Salisbury University - Maggs Physical 
Activity Center)
Children activities and vendors
Packet pick-up and registration
2:00 & 4:00 p.m. Speaker - George Banker
Author - Marine Corps Marathon A Running Tradition
 "What Moves You?" (To date Banker has completed 25 Marine 
Corps Marathons)
Pasta Dinner 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Buffett $10 per person

Online Registration

For questions contact Race Directors: Linda Mills 443-783-0558 or Harlan Eagle 443-944-2563