Time to Get in Gear: Runs, Walks in Carroll County

The warm weather is rolling in and people are starting to ponder what their body will look like in a bathing suit. Fortunately for Westminster residents, Carroll County is home to a whole bunch of exercise opportunities, including outdoor runs and walks. Here is a sampling of local runs and walks taking place in Carroll County in the next couple months.

Feel free to add more runs and walks in the comments section below.

March 24: 2nd Annual Celtic Canter

Dr. Paul Gallagher and will host the 2nd Annual Celtic Canter at 10 a.m. this Saturday. The three mile fun run/walk will start at the corner of East Green and Liberty Streets and wind through downtown Westminster. 

The run will offers an Irish atmosphere, complete with bagpipes and a post-race gathering at O’Lordans. The net proceeds of the Celtic Canter will benefit the Carroll County Children’s Fund Inc., Access Carroll, Inc. and Target Community & Educational Services, Inc.

Register for the Celtic Canter online at https://www.raceit.com/register/?event=9509. The registration fee for the race is $20 online and $30 at the event. Call 443-789-2063 for more information.

March 31: March for Parks Mud Run

The annual “March for Parks” will feature a wild, unique Mud Run this year as well as the Walkathon. The event is scheduled for March 31 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Carroll County Farm Museum.  

The Mud Run begins at 9 a.m. with the 6k course featuring challenging terrain and obstacles such as hills, water crossings, walls, slides and a mud pit. Teams can compete in costumes or non-costumed. The race is for individuals as well as two or four-person teams.  

The Walkathon will feature a one-mile marked course around the scenic grounds of the Farm Museum and neighboring Landon C. Burns Park.  

The Registration fee for the Mud Run is $35 for an individual, $70 for a team of two, and $140 for a team of four.  The registration fees for the walkathon are $20 per person, $10 each additional person or family member, children under 7 are free.  

Registration forms available at Carroll County Recreation and Parks at 300 South Center Street, in Westminster, or by calling 410-386-2103 or you can register online at ccrecpark.org.

April 11: Main Street Mile

On Wednesday, April 18 at 7 p.m. hundreds of people will swarm down Main Street in the 31st annual Main Street Mile.

Runners should sign up for heat one or heat two. Heat one is timed and scored. Heat two, the Connor Smith Memorial Fun Run, will neither be officially timed nor scored. A clock showing an unofficial race time will be at the finish line.

The $8 registration fee can be paid online or by mail, and will close when the 700-runner limit is reached.

April 14: CHANGE, Inc. 5K

will hold its first annual 5K Race and 1 Mile Walk on the new Washington Road Community Trail. 

The race will start in front of the Carroll County Youth Service Bureau and commence on the .  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) for runners, walkers, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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 

May 12: Flower & Jazz Festival 5k Run/Walk

Enjoy one of three events offered: a 200-yard dash for children 6 and under at 9 a.m.; a one mile fun run for ages 7 and up at 9:15; and an open 5k run/walk at 9:30 a.m. The 200-yard dash and one-mile fun run are free. The 5k costs $20 per person or $35 per couple.

Events take place at the Wakefield Valley Community Trail, 730 Tahoma Farm Road in Westminster. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Carroll County Youth Service Bureau and Westminster Recreation and Parks.

Contact Gary Honeman, 410-848-2118, or ghoneman@ccysb.org for more information.