On Saturday, April 14, 2012, CHANGE, Inc. will hold its first annual 5K Race and 1 Mile Walk on the new Washington Road Community Trail.  Race proceeds will benefit CHANGE, Inc. Since its inception in 1969, CHANGE's mission has been to promote the dignity, self-reliance, health, productivity and community membership for people with developmental disabilities through caring and flexible administration of habilitation, transitional, vocational and support services.  The services offered to the people CHANGE helps are designed with and implemented for each individual by caring staff in our Westminster facilities. 

The race, which is scheduled for 9am on Saturday, April 14th, will start in front of the Carroll County Youth Service Bureau and commence on the Washington Road Community Trail.  There will be two separate loops for the event.  One loop designed for 5K runners (5K will be timed) and one loop designed for 1 Mile Walkers.  Race terrain consists of concrete, asphalt, grass and hiking trail.  Post race refreshments will be provided as well as water on course.  The CHANGE, Inc. 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk is a family friendly event (complete with children activities) that promises to attract runners, walkers, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Washington Road Community Trail was first forged in 1994 and recently revamped in the last few years through the combined efforts of Members of the business community, local community, Carroll County Public School students, Carroll Community College students and grants from different entities. The WRC Trail is centrally located in Carroll County, MD. 

County Government owns most of the trail property, but it also runs through privately managed areas including the Y of Central Maryland. The different organizations along the trail have been in cooperation to promote interest and use of the trail.  People who participate in the run will have a firsthand account of the many points of interest the trail has to offer.  The trail boasts over 90 blue bird houses, ten bat houses and a Labyrinth full of native plants which are being used to create successional forest.  The trail was designed as a low maintenance, intergenerational, scenic hiking trail that provides environmental, recreational and fitness opportunities for nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts and families.  

For more information or to register for the race visit www.changeinc.cc  If you are interested in learning more about the Washington Road Community Trail visit www.wrctrail.org  

CHANGE, Inc. is a Carroll County agency with over 40 years of service to people with developmental disabilities.  The mission of CHANGE, Inc. is to promote the dignity, self-reliance, health, productivity and community membership for people with developmental disabilities through caring and flexible administration of day habilitation, vocational and support services which are designed with and implemented for each individual.Visit www.changeinc.cc for more information.