From serious runners to toddlers being pushed in strollers, from a contingent of Marines to a veteran member of Congress--the usual variety of participants made the sixth Annual Becca's Run another success. Approximately 1,200 people showed up to walk or run their way through the hilly streets of a Silver Spring neighborhood to raise money for children with cancer. The 5K run and two-mile walk started by Maureen and Joe Lilly to commemorate the courage of their late daughter has grown to attract hundreds from areas beyond the Woodmoor/ Four Corners community where she attended school. Rebecca Erin Lilly died in 1997 after a six-year battle with brain cancer.

Through bee stings and muscle aches, runners and walkers endured the abnormally hot and sticky conditions on Saturday, Oct. 5, to help children and their families who struggle constantly to overcome the obstacles of cancer.

All the top finishers in the race were from Maryland suburbs. Joe Abernethy, 43, of College Park, come in first place with a time of 16:37, followed closely by Rob Walker, 34, of Silver Spring, with a time of 16:56. Margaret Polcawic, 25, of Rockville, was the first female to cross the finish line with a time of 19:47. Christy Underdonk, 33, of Kensington, came in second with a time of 20:47. Montgomery County Road Runners Club kept the official time, and the complete list of results is located on their website.

Homeowners waved and shouted words of encouragement from their front lawns as young and old alike swarmed the streets of this small community. Like a parting sea, walkers moved to the sides of the street and applauded as an orderly file of 30 Marines jogged by in unison, holding their flag aloft and chanting rhythmic hymns. Close behind them was Maryland Congresswoman Connie Morella (R), who had addressed everyone with words of encouragement before the start of the race, and who was now joining the two-mile walk.

Including this year's event, Becca's Run has raised over $200,000 to benefit children with cancer. As in the past, the funds will be distributed to a variety of local organizations that assist children with cancer and their families.

For more information about the event, or to speak with a member of the Lilly family, please contact Jennifer Wingfield at (202) 789-2424, or e-mail her at jwingfield@akerpartners.com.

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