Two thousand two hundred energized, happy kids took off on West Gude Drive at Sunday's 14th Annual Halloween Young Run produced by the Montgomery County Road Runners Club (MCRRC). This highly successful event, which has grown from 200 runners in its first year to 3,000, is one of the largest children's runs in the country. With the uncertainty of the event happening this year, a last minute influx of registrations filed in, showing that the parents are ready for the kids to be outside enjoying themselves.

The Halloween Young Run is the final event in MCRRC's annual children's running program designed to encourage fitness and fun for young children. For the kids, it's a "real road race" on the roads, with banners, balloon arch, aerobic warm-up, and a professional finish line. Since fitness is the primary objective of children's running, every child wears a "1" bib number and each and every one is a winner! Forty-two public and private schools participated this year in the 1/4, 1/2, and 1-mile runs for kids 12 and under. All events are non-competitive. Ribbons were given to all 1/4 and 1/2 mile finishers and medals were given to all 1-mile finishers.

Doreen Gentzler, Anchor at Channel 4 News, was Sunday's Official Starter of the event.

Saturday's Packet pick up was a special treat for the kids too! Washington Freedom Star Anne Makinen appeared from 12 Noon to 1 p.m. to sign autographs and pose for photos at the Rockville Senior Center. Many young runners came dressed in their soccer uniforms and brought their soccer balls to be autographed.

Congratulations to all the schools, teachers, parents and runners who participated in this year's event.