I rolled out of bed to the sound of hard driving rain on the window. I was determined to go as this was my daughter's first 5K. She was running with other members for her 5th grade soccer team. We tied our shoes, donned our raingear, and headed out for the race not knowing what to expect. As we pulled up to the scenic Allen Pond, we were shocked at the cheery hustle and bustle of the park. Music poured through the park as runners with their white bib tags checked in and warmed up for the race. For a rainy day, the place was packed. I asked a group of the runners if they were surprised at the turnout, they smiled and said, "This was one of their favorite races." Rain or no rain, the course was fast and the race was well run.

The Popp-Long Family is a humble, hardworking group who greeted everyone at check-in with a big smile. They handed every runner a stuffed race bag complete with water bottle, nice T-shirt, Cliffbars, and coupons. Co-race organizers and siblings, Ken Long and Kathleen Lineberger started the race seven years ago to honor their cousin, the late Kathy Popp-Long. Kathy succumbed to cervical cancer at the age of 36 in June 1999, leaving behind a husband and three daughters. She was an avid runner and received her care at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore MD. All proceeds for the race are donated in her memory to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. It is also notable that all cancer survivors can run for free.

After some stretches with the soccer team, we headed up the scenic path for the start of the race. On the way to the start line, I drew some inspiration from the runners of tomorrow. A pack of little kids, parents, and a few pets ran through the drizzle with big smiles and fast legs in the 1-mile fun run. At the start of the 5K, Ken Long had a quick word of thanks and as the rain slowed down to a light drizzle, he blew the foghorn and we were off. As expected, the young runners tore out of the starting gate, while the more experienced runners hit their stopwatches and quickly set their pace. The course was scenic and interesting with well-maintained paths that rolled along a lake and into a neighborhood with cheerful volunteers at every turn.

At the finish line, the Run for Kathy had a new champion, Andrew Madison (18) from Edgewater, MD, with a time of 16:46. Madison narrowly beat last year's winner, Blake Johnson (24), who had a time of 16:49. Sheryl Kline (42), who just started racing two years ago, was the top women's runner coming in at 19:52. Kline improved her time over last years race by over 20 seconds despite the weather conditions. Other notable runners were young Gloria Roberts (13) who placed second in women's overall with a spectacular time of 20:39. I was impressed that the race had four runners over 70. Richard Miller (70) had a time of 28:02 and 73-year-old Jim Keats ran the course on this rainy day with a 29:45.

Whether you were first or last, you were greeted at the finish line with a cheer and a bottle of water. At the pavilion, just a few steps away, there was a delicious buffet of food, some of which is not usually seen at races: fresh bagels and fruit, Cliffbars, fried chicken, and even cotton candy (a huge hit with the kids). Even in the rain, the Popp-Long family went out of their way to make sure that the kids had fun. There was free face painting, kids crafts, and a pinata.

Awards, along with prizes, were given out to first three male and female runners as well as 1st and 2nd place in each of eight age brackets. Many of the prizes were Under Armour apparel, Panara Bread free bread for a year, 2-month membership to Curves, as well as gift certificates to local stores and restaurants. The top men's prize was a $100 gift certificate to Ruth Chris Steak House and 4 Baysocks tickets. The top women's prize was a $100 dollar gift certificate to Ruth Chris Steak House and a Jolie Day Spa certificate. To top the morning off, there were 40 door prizes given out to anyone who ran the 5K or the 1K fun run. A good and wet time was had by all.

Some people come to races to win and others to finish. This race offers a third reason to run - to be inspired. This race is a testament to the power of ordinary people doing extraordinary acts that will make a difference for all of us. The race was professionally done, well run, and fun. This year the Run For Kathy raised $9,500 bringing the 7-year total to over $62,000 for cancer research. Although this race is off the beaten path for some Washington and Virginia runners, it is worth the drive and I encourage anyone who wants to run a fast race on a well maintained course to put this 5K on their short list of must do races.

The effort of Kathy Popp-Long's family, friends and volunteers have honored and celebrated her life. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please send a check payable to Run For Kathy to 14410 Autumn Crest Road, Boyds, MD 20841, or go to their website: www.run4kathy.org. You may also send a e-mail message

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