Jim Gent Memorial Bay2Bay Ride - 2026

Benefits: Kent Association of Riding Therapy, Inc. (KART)

Registration opens at 8 a.m. - Half Marathon Run & 5K Run/Walk start at 9 a.m.

Registration: Race day registration will be available! Packet pickup starts at 8 a.m. and races start at 9 a.m. at Wilmer Park, Chestertown, Maryland.

Silent Hero Donation: Can't make this event but would like to show your support? Register as a Silent Hero!

Benefactor: Kent Association of Riding Therapy (KART) was founded in 1984 to help children and adults with disabilities enhance their social and developmental growth. KART uses a multi-faceted program involving therapeutic horseback riding, barn management, and caring for the horse.

Packet Pickup: All race packets can be picked up on Sunday morning starting at 8 a.m. Race day registration will also be accepted at this time.

Directions: Wilmer Park is located across the street from address 400 South Cross Street, Chestertown, MD. For directions, use your GPS or MapQuest.

Awards: Unique awards for overall male and female winners in the Half Marathon and 5K Run. Awards presented to the top 2 in 10-year age groups in the Half Marathon and 5K Run. Awards to top 2 male and female finishers in the 5K walk. 5K awards will be presented after the last participant finishes. Half Marathon awards will be presented 3 hours after start.

Course: The event starts and finishes at Wilmer Park. The course has gentle rolling terrain and is run entirely on paved country roads.

Course Records: Half Marathon: Male - Hasan Butler - 1:21:27 - 2014, Female – Meredith Tulio - 1:28:29 - 2018. 5K Run: Male - Jesse Goodyear - 17:50 - 2015, Female – Lisa Victorius - 20:50 - 2017

Amenities: Quality “Chestertown Challenge Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk” Tech Shirts guaranteed to all participants registered by Monday, September 30th. Food and refreshments at the finish line! Police controlled roads, mile markers and directional arrows on road.

Water stops: Water stops will be located at approximately every two miles on the Half Marathon course, at the turnaround of the 5K, and at the start/finish.

Restrooms: Restrooms will be available at the start/finish and on the Half Marathon course.

Spectators: While you're waiting for your friends or family members to complete the race, enjoy the beautiful historic Chestertown sites on the Chester River. Visit www.kentcounty.com/tourism.

Hotels/Motels/Bed & Breakfast: Visit the following websites for a complete list of hotels/motels and bed & breakfast in the Chestertown and Rock Hall area.,

www.kentcounty.com/lodging/rockhall_lodging.php

Inns & Bed and Breakfast in Chestertown, Maryland

Red Roof Inn & Suites Chestertown - ReservationDesk.com

Comfort Inn & Suites Chestertown - ReservationDesk.com

Registration is now open!

The 2026 Mermaid Run is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Festival Park in Aberdeen, MD

5K Race start is 8:00 am, followed by the Mermaid Mile start soon after

The 5K Race will be professionally chip-timed by Blue Cheetah Sports Timing and offers a marathon-quality 5k finisher's medal and event shirt for all participants.

The course is USATF Certified - Fast and FLAT! Costumes are encouraged, and we will have music and prizes!

Check out www.themermaidrun.com for more information and past race photos, medals and more!

Proceeds will benefit the Sea of Hope Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing support and assistance to families who have suffered infancy and pregnancy loss. Our mission is to be a beacon of support, offering solace, education and financial assistance during these difficult times. As we help navigate through the waves of grief we aim to create a supportive community and offer resources to help guide these families through their grief and find hope in the midst of their pain. We recognizes the impact of these losses on the entire family, including siblings who may also be grieving and in need of support. In addition to providing assistance to parents, the Sea of Hope Foundation also offers scholarships to bereaved siblings. These scholarships aim to empower and support them in their educational pursuits, helping them build a brighter future despite the challenges they have faced within their family. Through its comprehensive approach, the Sea of Hope Foundation

strives to create a compassionate and inclusive environment, fostering healing, support, and opportunities for families who have suffered from infancy and pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sea of Hope Foundation please visit www.seaofhopefoundation.org

This event is rain or shine; no refunds will be offered due to inclement weather or other reasons.

** If you cannot attend the live race and wish to have your items mailed to you, you must request prior to August 31 2026 and a separate shipping fee will apply. We cannot make arrangements for in-person pickups. Any items not claimed or requested by August 31 will be considered a donation to the Sea of Hope Foundation. After 8/21/26 shirt sizes for swaps to Virtual or Mailouts can not be guaranteed.

The 2026 Cats & Bats 5K - Saturday, October 31, 2026

For 12 years, this has been the race of choice for your pre-Halloween fun! The famous Cats & Bats 5K is your spot for #HalloweeninAberdeen

SATURDAY, October 31st - 8:00 am start time. USATF Certified Course - view map here

Location: Festival Park, Aberdeen, MD

We are planning for a Group, In-Person 5K and also have a Virtual 5K component. The virtual component is in place for anyone who is non-local, will not be able to attend the live race, or is not comfortable racing in a group environment.

Packet pickup will begin on race morning at 6:30 am, under the pavilion.

Details for early packet pickup will be announced

Race Fees

5K - Live Run or Walk - $30 per person (through September 30, 2026 - includes chip timing, shirt, and race medal, post race food and drinks, awards for overall & age group winners. Price increase to $35/per person October 1, 2025. Race day registation, if available, is $40. Registrations may sell out prior to race day.

Virtual 5K Race - $35 per person - if you can't attend the race but want the swag & brag, sign up for the virtual race! Complete the distance on your day, your place, your time. Race bib, shirt, and medal will be mailed to all virtual race participants.

One Mile Fun Run - $25 per person - for those who want to join in the fun but don't want to do the distance! Race shirt and medalincluded. Price increase to $30 on October 1. Race day registration is $35.

This is a Rain or Shine event! No refunds will be offered for weather or other reasons.

RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP INFO - Race day packet pickup will begin at 6:30 am in Festival Park.

We are also offering a mailing option this year ($8.00), please see registration for details and cut-off date.

CUSTOM EVENT SHIRT - Please register by 10/15 to guarantee your shirt size choice. We will do our best to have shirts for all but cannot guarantee sizes or availability for those who register after 10/15

Come on out to beautiful Festival Park in Aberdeen, MD and participate in the ONLY 5k to feature a Custom Commemorative Finisher's Medal for all participants.

This is THE area's spookiest fall running event, so don't miss out! Registration is open but we expect a sellout crowd.

In addition to a beautiful flat-and-fast course, you also get great swag, food, drink, shirts, awards, and don't forget. .. . an AWESOME Finisher's Medal for all participants!

Our run will benefit The National PTSD Foundation, a 501(c)3 that works to support our local first responders who suffer from this affliction.

Medals will be awarded to our overall Male and Female Winners, and age group awards will be announced, first, second & third place for 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+). Winners to be announced on-site. Please check your results and plan to stick around if you are a Gender or Age Group winner!

We'll see YOU at the Cats & Bats 5K!

This event is RAIN OR SHINE!

Ticket sales are final and there are no refunds for any reason.

This race is owned, managed, and professionally timed by Blue Cheetah Sports Timing, LLC