Kentlands-Lakelands 5K Race

The Kentlands-Lakelands 5K race is set for Sept. 1 in downtown Kentlands.

The event, which has grown to be the largest 5K Race event in Montgomery County, is hosted by the non-profit Kentlands Community Foundation in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg.

The Labor Day weekend event includes a 5K Run and Walk, two Kids Fun Runs, and the well-renowned Post-Race Expo in Market Square Plaza, bringing over 4,000 participants to Kentlands Downtown. The 5K Race has grown in size consistently each year with over 1,460 participants plus 350 children for the fun runs in 2011. Last year, the Kids Fun Runs sold out before race day.

The loop course winds through Lakelands and Kentlands equally, starting and finishing on Main Street behind Market Square Plaza. The course was designed to give participants the opportunity to experience the best in new urbanist communities and passes by many civic landmarks. Featuring two water stops and live entertainment along the route, the course requires 60 volunteer Course Marshals to keep it clear and safe from traffic.  As Course Director Lake Coulson stated, “The Race really gives our community the chance to showcase its beauty, spirit and giving nature – half of the Race proceeds goes to other local charities each year – but it takes a lot of supporters to make it happen successfully. It is the one morning each year that we ask our friends and neighbors to join us in supporting the Race by keeping the roads free of traffic for our participants.  I want to thank everyone in advance for their patience and cooperation.”

“The idea of limiting the 5K event to 1,500 runners was based on a decision of the event committee after looking at a lot of different factors, including the definition of our course – things like the narrow nature of the roads, the high number of turns, and the challenge of positioning water stops to adequately serve the runners without jeopardizing the flow of runners by creating back-ups –  these are all considerations, and safety is our major concern,” said Steve Solbeck, Race Director for the event.

Stepping up the live entertainment this year, the race will have multiple bands performing including: V6, Throwing Wrenches, Flatline Aura, Forever in a Second and Fleet Feet and the Sole Survivors. In addition, Lakelands resident Annie Coulson will sing the National Anthem. Fresh FM 94.7 will also be on hand as this year’s race emcee.

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