Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that supported our inaugural run in 2009 and making it a big success:
2009 Race Media Partners:
Race Event Manager:
The Right Side Foundation Annual 5K Run and 1-Mile Fun Walk
*Date and information regarding The Right Side Foundation's 2010 5K Run and 1-Mile Fun Walk coming soon...
Foundation's Inaugural 5K Run & One Mile Fun Walk is a Major Success
On August 16, 2009 over 800 people joined Nick and Christina Markakis for the Foundation's inaugural 5K Run and One-Mile Fun Walk at Patterson Park in Baltimore, Md. - an impressive showing for a first year event of this type.
"Anytime you can bring the community together through events such as this it is a great experience," said Nick Markakis. "We intend to make this an annual event for The Right Side Foundation as Christina and I continue to use the platform baseball provides us to have a positive impact on children in Maryland."
The event took place from 5 to 8 p.m. at Patterson Park following the Orioles' afternoon game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Nick intended to walk in the event with the Markakis' son, Taylor, but was unable to due to the team's extra innings game against the Angels that went 13 innings Christina however kicked off the 5K and ran the race with Taylor and Maria Wieters, wife of Orioles' catcher Matt Wieters.
Throughout the day, participants enjoyed family-friendly activities, snacks provided by Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, ice cream from Nestle Ice Cream, vitaminwater, an appearance by the Oriole Bird, music and much more. The first 500 participants who registered received an Under Armour performance shirt.
"As a runner in college, I was excited to hold our first annual 5K Run and Fun Walk, and am so thrilled with the support we received for this event," said Christina Markakis. "We wanted to present an experience where families, runners, individuals - everyone - could come together and have fun. Thanks to the community, we achieved just that today."
Nick and Matt Wieters did arrive after the Orioles game and participated in the post race ceremony, as well as signed autographs for fans. Nick and Christina presented the awards to the overall male and female race winners, as well as the top male and female finishers in respective age groups. The post race ceremony was hosted by local sports broadcaster Mark Viviano, who also ran the 5K. The Markakises also posed on stage for pictures with the winners, and Nick autographed each award.
Proceeds raised through the event will benefit distressed children throughout Maryland via the Foundation's programs and activities.