On October 11, 2008, a first-time event will take place in Washington County. The objective of this event is not only to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of Washington County and its on-going mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing in our community, but also to promote the scenic beauty and natural resources of Western Maryland, physical health and wellness, and environmental awareness.

The 13.1 mile race will begin at the Joseph Hancock, Jr. Primitive Park in Hancock, MD, and will progress down Main Street before turning onto the scenic Western Maryland Rail Trail. The event begins at 8:00 a.m. and packet pickup and race day registration will be open from 6:30-7:45 a.m. A 5K Walk will begin immediately following the half marathon start. The top male and female finishers will receive awards in addition to the top three male and female finishers in seven age groups.

All proceeds from the Western Maryland Half Marathon benefit the ReStore Initiative of Habitat for Humanity of Washington County, MD. A ReStore is a retail store that accepts donations of overstocked, discontinued, new or used home improvement products donated by businesses or individuals, and re-sells these products to the general public at a substantially reduced cost. The ReStore will accomplish three key objectives:

1) Provide funding for Habitat for Humanity so we can increase our production of simple, decent, affordable housing in Washington County.

2) Reduce costs of building materials for use in upgrading/maintaining houses for the general public.

3) Reuse building materials and home products instead of dumping into landfills, which helps protect our environment.

For additional information about the go to Western Maryland Half Marathon contact Tara Horst.

ABOUT Habitat for Humanity of Washington County

Habitat for Humanity of Washington County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing organization.