2011 Run 4 Shelter Race High Lights:

Event Details:

Runners will make their way along a fast and flat paved course that alternates between the wooded trails of Kent Island and the wide-open scenery of Chesapeake Bay. The annual Run for Shelter Half Marathon, 10K & 5K race also features a fun run for kids.

The race -- which has been run as a 10K & 5K race in recent years -- adds a half marathon at its September 2011 running. The route will share the same start and finish line as previous races - just off Piney Narrows Road near the Shopping Outlets at the Kent Island Narrows. From there, runners will follow what is known locally as the Cross Island Trail, a linear park filled with paved trails that winds from Kent Island Narrows westward to Terrapin Nature Park.

Scenery marks the course throughout the 13.1-mile route, from paved roads to paved trails to crushed gravel roads and even oyster-shell trails in the "beach challenge" stretch along the bay. Along the way, runners can expect to trek through wooded forest sections, and look out onto ponds and wetlands.

Thanks largely to its location, the race is nearly flat the entire way -- the only real rises come from the footbridges runners cross in spots along the course, where the elevation is only minimal. After making their way out to Terrapin Park, runners then begin the trek back to the race finish near Piney Narrows Road.

Open to both runners and walkers for each event, the race will feature staggered start times -- the half marathon begins at 7:30 AM, followed by the 10K and the 5K at 8:00 AM, and finally by the kids fun run at 10:00 AM. All proceeds from the race benefit the Our Haven Shelter, a mission of the Queen Anne's County Christian Assistance that provides shelter, meals and assistance to homeless men, women and children in the local area.

Race Weather & Climate:

Nestled along the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay here in central Maryland, just over 35 miles southeast of Baltimore and about 45 miles east of Washington, D.C., Chester typically sees mild to moderately warm and occasionally hot weather in September, when the town's average monthly temperatures range between 78°F and 59°F. On the day of the race (Sept. 10), the average high is 80°F and the average low is 61°F, while rainfall totals average about 4.25 inches for the month, making September the town's second-wettest month of the year.

Media:

Click here to view photos of the course and natural habitat.

Click here to view the Our Haven Shelter video.

Start/Finish:

Cross Island Trail/ Kent Narrows:
Piney Narrows Rd Chester MD 21619
See map.

Directions to Race:

From Eastbound RT 50:

Take exit 41 Kent Narrows West, make a left at stop sign onto RT 18/Main Street , make next left going under the overpass toward Piney Narrows Road, make right on Piney Narrows Road, make first left into factory outlet complex. See map.

From Westbound RT 50:

Take exit 41 Kent Narrows west and follow ramp down and make left on Piney Narrows Road. Make first left into the factory outlet complex. See map.

Race Day Schedule:

6:30 AM Race Day Registration & Packet Pickup
7:30 AM Half Marathon Start
8:00 AM 5K Race/Walk
8:00 AM 10K Race/Walk
10:00 AM Kids Fun Run
Post Race Awards Ceremony & Refreshments

Awards:

Overall (Male/Female) and
Masters (Male/Female).
Age Group Awards (Top Three Finishers):
13 under, 14-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
Kids Fun Run: Awards for all participants

Race Timing:

Chip Timing and scoring will be provided by NOVA Timing Systems using the IPICO chip timing system.

Post Race:

Awards, food, and beverages.

Registration:

For individual and team registration, see our registration page for registration options.

Race Directors:

Aaron Baxter 410-507-1935 abaxter@atlanticbb.net

Our Haven Shelter info:

Website - www.qacca.org
Krista Pettit - Shelter Director 410-739-4363 kristapettit@gmail.com

Join us on FaceBook and Twitter

Click on the logos below to join in the Run 4 Shelter Community:

Other Links

Couch to 5K - Training Schedule

Volunteers Needed!!! Volunteer Information

Volunteers are essential in the success of any great event. They are vital in providing a safe, organized and fun race. It will take over 150 volunteers to ensure the safety, accuracy, fun and the highest level of organization necessary to produce the Run 4 Shelter Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Race.

Volunteers are needed to help with stuffing packets, packet pick-up, course monitors, distribute water at the aid stations, Clean up, registration and much more.

Now is your chance to take part in welcoming all of the athletes that will be joining us for this amazing event.

For more information send email to the volunteer coordinator. kristapettit@gmail.com