Register Now for the All New CHECK IT OUT (R) Challenge 5 Mile Run, 5K Run/Walk & 1Mile Fun Walk - New Date! - New Location!

Early Bird Special for the 2007 CHECK IT OUT Challenge is now available online.


The cost is $25 until February 15, $30 until May 18 and $35 on Race Day. The race will take place on Sunday, May 20, 2007 in Hunt Valley, MD beginning at 8:00 AM. The CHECK IT OUT(R) Challenge will be celebrating their 10th anniversary with immense changes this year. The new date of SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2007, will allow Hadassah of Greater Baltimore, the race host organization, to showcase and highlight the culmination of the spring session of their unique Girls on the Run program - an elementary and middle school fitness, team building, and community service program which educates participants about healthy lifestyles; encourages a sense of self-respect and empowerment; establishes appropriate fitness and nutrition habits; provides positive adult role models and mentors; and develops a commitment to community service.

Fresh air and open spaces were also important, hence the move to the Hunt Valley, MD location. All courses will be certified including a new 5 mile run, 5K run/walk and 1 mile fun walk.

Make sure to collect your premium gift this year of a nylon drawstring backpack and stick around for new post race surprises including exciting food and great giveaways. Register today! For more information, please contact Leslie Goldberg or call at 410-484-9590.

Race History
This long standing race has been remaking itself since 2002 when it started the month August with a 5K. Youssef Ennaciri (22) of Baltimore, MD led more than five hundred and fifty finishers, winning easily in 16:05. Young Lindsay van Alstine (17) Midland Park, NJ led all women with 18:00 for eleventh overall.

In 2003, the race doubled to the 10K though there was a smaller 318 finisher total. Erik Estrada (31) of Parkville, MD blazed a 32:10 and upset elite racer Glenn Mays (33) of Washington, DC (34:00). Omnipresent Ted Poulos (41) of McLean, VA ventured north to finish next as the top master in 35:51. Paige Waterman (35) of Rockville, MD led the women with 44:27

In 2004, the format switched again this time running both distances with the race scoring CHIP added for the first time. Still, the first week of August, the 5K was an intense battle of teens with Michael Nasuta of (18) Parkville, MD holding off a determined Kyle Schmid (19) of Lutherville, MD 16:50 to 16:53. Sherry Stick of Eldersburg, MD eased to a minute victory in 18:45. With 244 5K finishers and 173 10K finishers, the numbers were moving back up. Michael Woodman (38) of Timonium, MD won in 34:46. Becky Alvarez (24) Westminster, MD won handily in 42:23.

In 2005, the race took a tiny step backwards and found itself in July (31st) for the first time. Sticking with the duel format, the race again became a teen challenge. This time in the 10K with Jesse Jaeger (17) of Kingsville, MD leading the way in 35:42 followed closely by Adam Sierakowski (17) Perry Hall, MD in 36:38. Michele Hoffman (33) of Baltimore, MD lowered the women's time for the thirds year winning in 41:52. There were 160 10K finishers.

In the 5K, an epic battle tradition was about to start. S Mark Courtney (49) of Grove City, PA of Runner's High came south to tackle Baltimore's big dog, Maurice Pointer (49) for the win. Courtney prevailed for the highest combined age of the top two finishers (98), 17:41 to 18:04. Gloria Santarpia (44) of Odenton, MD won easily in 20:23 to show again that running is not just a young person's game besting two teens that photo finished the runner-up spot in 20:49. 193 runners finished the 5K

Now 2006 headed around the corner and Dustin Bauer (20) Lutherville, MD ran away from the 157 runner field to win the 5K in 16:10. Tenth overall Lynda Lawson (46) of Severn, MD with 20:42 nearly catches eighth overall Jennifer Frantz (35) of Reisterstown, MD, who won for the women in 20:39. Now the excitement mounts. The planned 10K ends up being run as a 6- mile race. Back in the day of the top two runners, the pre metric distances were 2M, 3M, and 6M instead of the more familiar 3K, 5K, and 10K. The battle was again between S Mark Courtney and Maurice Pointer, both now grandmasters. Their one- two finish provided a new high number for the top two finishers (100 years) as well as the second highest placing for a grandmaster without winning the race. Courtney prevailed this time 34:14 to 34:31 with the top five runners all 42 or older. Heidi Brockmann (26) of Laurel, MD won for the women in 42:07. There were 89 finishers in the race.

Now this year, the race date is leaving the summer for a mid spring date of May 20, 2007. Instead of racing at Patterson Park, the race is moving to Hunt Valley. Also this year a five mile races accompanies the 5K race.

Race Information
Race day registration/packet pick-up: You can also register on race day beginning at 6:30 am. Plenty of parking is available.

Race schedule: 6:30 am Registration 8:00 am - 5 Mile Run 8:15 am - 5K Run/Walk 8:30 am - 1 Mile Fun Walk 9:30 am - 5 Mile and 5K Awards Ceremony and Prize Drawings

Course: 5 Mile Run & 5K Run/Walk: Both courses certified. Split times will be available at the mile marks. Water and paramedics will be available on the course. 1 Mile Fun Walk: For walkers and strollers only! Amenities: Premium Giveaways. With your race number there will be a prize giveaway ticket to all paid participants. The post-race awards ceremony will include music and food.

Teams: All you need are four or more people to make up a team. Prizes will awarded to the largest team and the team raising the most funds. Register online as a team member. There will be NO Race Day team registration. 5 Mile & 5K awards: Top three overall male and female as well as top three male and female in each of the following age groups: 15 & under, 16-19, 20-29, 30- 39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+. Random drawings will award a variety of exciting day trips, gift certificates and other great giveaways. You MUST be present at the time of drawing to win.

Benefits: Proceeds from the race will benefit Hadassah's numerous health education initiatives which include Check It Out, Beyond the Mirror, Girls on the Run, Women with Heart, and many others throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area.

2007 CHECK IT OUT Challenge is now available online.