Race Committee Says New Date Will Allow Greater Event Participation, Emphasize Importance of Community Strength
The Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Race Committee announced that it has moved the date of next year's event to Saturday, September 11, in memory of the events that took place on that date in 2001.

"This year's race will honor those who lost their lives, as well as the firefighters and law enforcement personnel who gave their time and risked their lives to help those involved in the events of September 11, 2001," said Steve Solbeck, speaking on behalf of the Race Committee.

But the date change will not mean that there will be any change in the event itself, according to Solbeck. "The Kentlands/Lakelands races and fun runs have become a community tradition," he said. "Participants can still expect a full range of entertainment, including food, music, and activities for children."

Solbeck said that the new date should mean even greater participation among area residents, some of whom were not able to participate when it was held on its traditional Labor Day weekend date.

Marty Horan, a race committee member, said the September 11 date is an appropriate one for this event. "The Kentlands/Lakelands 5K is not just a race--it is an event that celebrates the strength of our community," he said. "One of the reasons America has been able to recover so quickly from the 9-11 tragedy is the strength of communities all across this country. By holding the event on September 11, we can take time to remember those who lost their lives on that fateful date--while celebrating the strength of our own community and the people who make it great."

The Race Committee also announced that it has begun a search for a 2004 Running For Life Program spokesperson. In previous years, the Running For Life Program--a program designed to encourage running for people of all ages--has invited a world or national class athlete to speak at area schools and participate in the race. Past spokespeople have included distance running legends Bill Rodgers and Todd Williams.

"Our goal as always is to find a spokesperson who won't just talk about running itself--but about how running can have a positive effect on all aspects of our lives and our health," said Horan, who is one of the founders of the Running For Life Program.

In addition to promoting running at area schools and community groups, the 2004 Running For Life Program spokesperson will be the guest of honor at the VIP Dinner. Last year the VIP Dinner was hosted by O'Donnell's Seafood Restaurant on Kentlands Boulevard, and included Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz, members of the Gaithersburg City Council, Olympians Todd Williams and Marc Davis, two-time Kentlands/Lakelands 5K overall female winner Naoko Ishibe, and two-time Kentlands/Lakelands 5K overall male winner and Olympic hopeful Ben Cooke.

Media Contact: Richard Stukey, director of marketing and PR, at (301) 572-3800 or via e-mail.