The Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union Germantown 5-Miler race committee is happy to announce that the Gazette Healthy Challenge participants will compete at this year's event. The up- and down-county teams compete against each other for three months to lose weight and win physical, recreational, and cooking match-ups. Come see how they do at the 5-miler!

The 5-Miler takes place on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the Seneca Meadows Corporate Center in Germantown, MD and benefits the Germantown Boys and Girls Club and CSAAC, Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children. A 1K kids run kicks off the event at 8:10 a.m.; the 5 mile, ChampionChip timed race begins at 8:30 am. And last but not least, a 2-mile fun run that allows strollers and dogs begins at 8:40 am.

The festive post race area, to be enjoyed by all, will include a moon bounce for children, homemade baked goods, bagels, and more. When signing up online, a registration discount will be given to Germantown residents and active, retired, and reserve military. There will also be corporate/friends and running club teams competing in the 5-Miler, so get your friends together and sign up as a team!

Steven Crane (photo), defending champion and course record holder, will return to race for the $300 first place prize money. Second place overall male and female finishers receive $200, and third place finishers receive $100. Prizes from local restaurants and vendors will be awarded to 5-year age group categories.

For more information or to register, visit the race Web site.