Rick O'Donnell Memorial 5 Mile Trail Run and Ultra Challenge

Our spring running program will start on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. This season we will accept runners who are 9-16 years old, and we will cap registration based on our coaching staff. We will practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. one day a week at Baker Park, and other day at regional parks/tracks, usually within the city limits.

Note: for insurance reasons you must be a member of the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club to participate in this program. You can check if you are already an FSRC member at https://runsignup.com/Club/SearchForRenew/668. The price for a Junior membership is $10. New memberships will begin on the day you sign up and continue for 12 months. This registration must match the name in the club registration exactly, as well as the birth date.

NOTE: the price for the Spires program shows up as $50 but you will be given a $10 discount when you check out, making the resulting price $40 for FSRC club members. You must be a member during this program. If your child is already an FSRC member, if it expires before this program starts you will need to RENEW your membership. Please do so at https://runsignup.com/Club/SearchForRenew/668. If your child is not already an FSRC member, they need to join FSRC at https://runsignup.com/fsrc. This costs $10 per child, or there are family options.

AGE RANGE OF PROGRAM: The FSRC Spires Youth Running Program is open to children ages 9-16. Ages should be 9 as of 12/31/26.

CONCEPT OF THE PROGRAM

The FSRC Spires Youth Running Program is somewhat unique because the emphasis is on learning the benefits of running as a fun and enjoyable means of lifetime fitness. This is different from programs that emphasize performance and competition. There is always gratification for kids that finish first, but this program tries to give every kid the opportunity to achieve and be recognized for simply how much they participate, learn, and improve.

Understand that some of our kids do go on to become competitive high school runners and do very well! But our goal is not to have them peak in the 8th grade. While they’re young, it should be about developing a great foundation of knowledge, technique, and base conditioning before they step into a rigorous school program.

For those that choose not to run for competition, they will still have gained the knowledge and approach to use running as a fitness tool for the rest of their lives!

DESCRIPTION OF CONDUCT

The programs are conducted during the Fall and Spring. The fall season program is more geared toward the sport of cross country and is conducted mostly in Frederick’s Baker Park primarily during the months of September and October. The spring season is more slightly more geared toward track but focuses on conditioning and encouraging the kids to build up to running a mile or 5k!

Kids will be grouped according to their ability and are supervised by the coaches who keep the kids together as a group for safety. The normal goal is for all participants to be confident in racing in a 5k race. The FSRC summer decathlon series starts as the Spire Spires session ends and allows for track racing for interested participants.

Kids of greater ability may do more, while kids that are new to this may just want to target one goal event toward the end of the season. Otherwise, there are also periodic timed events during the practices to measure their progress.

RULES OF BEHAVIOR

Kids should not eat dinner before coming to practice. Having a snack when they get home from school is recommended along with drinking water. Please have your child bring water to practice.

In order to maintain safety on group runs, the kids must demonstrate the ability to follow the instructions of the coaches. If they are not feeling well, they should not be forced to participate. Especially in the long group runs, we can’t have kids quitting in the middle as it creates a safety issue for them and the other children. So, if they don’t feel well or are injured, please keep them home.

We do allow for as much laughing, talking, and joking as can be permitted (because we want it to be fun) as long as kids generally follow the instructions they are given. Sportsmanship is also important. Runners should be supportive and encouraging to each other and never do anything to impede another runner in a race.

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL 6:30AM ON RACE DAY

After 6:30, register on site at the blue check in tent BEGINNING AT 7AM.

8:15AM - 5K race

9:00AM - 1M walk

CHECK IN TIMES:

RUNNER CHECK IN: 7:15-8:00

WALKER CHECK IN: 8:15-8:45

WANT TO RUN WITH YOUR DOG? We welcome your leashed dogs to run or walk the course. Please have your dogs on a 4-6 foot leash - no retractable leashes please. Register as WITH DOG-LIVE 5K RUN so we can easily identify and reward our runners with dogs. Registrants can change this category up until the start of the race. ALL runners with dogs WILL BE eligible for age level awards.

WANT TO WALK THE 5K COURSE? Yes, you can walk the 5K course. Register as 1M LIVE UNTIMED WALK. Check in for walkers is 8:15-9:00. Let us know when you check in that you are walking the 5K course when you check in.

VIRTUAL RACE/WALK DATES:

Friday, April 17 through Monday, April 20

COURSE TYPE: Entire course is within the park grounds and is paved except for small crossing areas that may have light gravel. The event site, check in area and vendor area are on grass and will be wet in the morning. Plan accordingly. The race is run on paved paths with a few gravel crossing sites -- all within the park grounds. Runners will run before walkers so no overlapping will occur.

RACE SHIRTS-LONG SLEEVED:

In an effort to reduce costs associated with this event, we are offering shirts by RESERVATION ONLY. Reserve your shirt when registering to ensure you receive your size. LAST DATE TO REGISTER AND RECEIVE A SHIRT IS MARCH 21 If no shirt is ordered (for on-site participants), the registration fee is reduced by $5.00 at that time. After March 21, the discount does not apply.

CHILDREN AGED 0-10 ARE FREE. There is no option for shirts for these children. If you want to purchase a shirt for a child, email the race director BEFORE April 4 to make arrangements.

ON SITE runners/walkers: ONLY pre-ordered shirts will be distributed at check in. (Must be registered by March 21). There will be NO EXTRA SHIRTS.

VIRTUAL runners/walkers: Shirts are an optional purchase when registering by . AFTER March 21 2026, virtual runners/walkers cannot order shirts.

AWARDS (FOR RUNNERS ON SITE ONLY) - Runners are eligible for overall awards AND age group awards.

Top Overall Male

Top Overall Female

1st, 2nd & 3rd Male Running With Dog

1st, 2nd & 3rd Female Running With Dog

1st & 2nd Male & Female in Age Groups:

60 & Up

50-59

40-49

30-39

20-29

11-19

ON SITE FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS

FOOD TRUCKS:

TBD

VENDORS

TBD

The 11th Annual Fast & Furriest 5K race and 1M walk to benefit Operation Paws for Homes - an all-breed 501c3 dog rescue - is one of the rescue's largest annual fundraisers.

This year's race is focused on helping dogs diagnosed with heartworm disease, which can be deadly if not treated. These dogs are often the last to leave a shelter -- if they leave at all. The rural shelters we work with do not have the resources to treat these animals who are sick through no fault of their own. Without rescue or adoption from the shelter, the chances are slim they will survive.

Each year, Operation Paws for Homes incurs vast medical costs - in 2025, costs will exceed $150,000. Treating the heartworm positive dogs who are lucky enough to come to the rescue make up about $30,000 - approximately 20% of total medical costs, This event aims to replenish those funds so that we can treat even more dogs. We encourage families, runners, walkers, supporters and anyone interested in helping this organization to join in this fun event.

The race is run on paved paths with a few gravel crossing sites -- all within the park grounds. Runners will run before walkers so no overlapping will occur.

This year our Donate & Dash area will offer only gift cards and gift certificates for various businesses and restaurants. Some gift cards might come with a basket - depending on the donor. The concept is the same though - just donate the D&D suggested amount and take it!

Tell all your friends and family - wherever they are located - they, too, can participate in this event and support the many dogs that need us every single day. Let's make it coast to coast this year! Anyone can participate using a VIRTUAL OPTION. We are excited to host this event again and hope you are just as excited to join us !

In coordination with Corrigan Sports Enterprises, Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club (FSRC or Steeplechasers) is hosting a supported on-course training run to help you prepare for race day, preview much of the course, and check out Historic Downtown Frederick. This is a 12 mile supported on course training run two weeks prior to race day. The run is FREE and open to the public.

The Route: FRF 12 Mile Training Turn by Turn

RIGHT on East St

(.6 miles) RIGHT on Monocacy Blvd (turns into New Design Rd)

(1.5) RIGHT on Stadium Dr. (to end)

(2) LEFT on Market St

(2.7) LEFT on Church St (to end)

(2.9) LEFT on Bentz St

IMMEDIATE RIGHT on Carroll Pkwy

(3.5) Enter Frederick High School veer right to stay on Carroll Pkwy.

(3.9) LEFT on Kline Blvd

(4.3) RIGHT on Fairview Ave

(5.0) RIGHT on 2nd Street

(5.8 ) LEFT on Bentz St (water @corner of Bentz & Rockwell)

(6.0) LEFT on Dill Ave (turns into Rosemont)

(6.6) RIGHT on Fairview Ave (turns into 13th St)

(7.8 ) LEFT on Market St

(8.1) RIGHT on 16th St (to end)

(8.9) RIGHT on Shifferstadt Blvd (straight onto Monocacy Blvd)

(10.4) RIGHT at Stop Sign on Hughes Ford/Monroe Ave (to end)

(11.1) RIGHT on Patrick St

(11.8 ) LEFT on East St (back to start)

The Frederick Visitor Center will have plenty of information on Frederick, the “nicest bathrooms in town”, as well as a spot to warm up after the run. Please park in the lot next to the Visitors Center but don’t park in their designated “visitor spots.” If we run out of spaces in the Visitor Center lot, there’s a parking ramp across the street.

This is a casual group run that is NOT timed or held on a closed course. Runners of all abilities and paces are welcome, but must obey all traffic laws. We ask that you run on sidewalks where available and against traffic if you must enter the roadway for best visibility and safety. RUN AT YOUR OWN RISK.

The Steeplechasers will provide turn by turn directions and a mid-course water stop. Our friends at Charm City Run Frederick will provide post-run refreshments and breakfast at the store afterwards. We suggest you bring your own water and other energy supplements if you will need them. We look forward to seeing you out there!

We’d love to answer questions about any restaurants, cafes, breweries, pubs, or shops that you see along the way.

If you would like more information or would like to join the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club, please go to steeplechasers.org

On Saturday, April 18, 2026 the 18th annual Clarksburg 5k Run, 5k Walk, and Kids Fun Run, presented by Cedarbrook Community Church, will kick out of the starting gate in what promises to be an exciting and fun filled event. The day's events will include a 3.1 mile run, 3.1 mile walk and a Kid’s Fun Run. The race ends at a festive area where participants will find prizes, food and beverages, music, and a children’s play area. More information about the race can be found at the race website – www.clarksburg5k.com. The Clarksburg 5k will incorporate good old-fashioned family participation with a healthy dose of fun. Everyone in the Upcounty area can join together to feel good and to do good. Now in our 18th year, the Clarksburg 5k has become a signature event in upper Montgomery County. Each year the event supports organizations that provide benefits for our community.