7 running, walking, swimming, and other events in College Park, Maryland

The Early Bird 5K program is a 12-week base-building program for walkers and beginning runners who are coming back to or starting an active lifestyle. This program trains participants to complete a 5K (3.1 mile) event as a walk or a combination of walking and easy pace running. It is coached by RRCA-certified running coaches.

Logistics:

• Start Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 8:00am. First meeting is at Herbert Wells Ice Rink in College Park.

• Duration: 12 weeks

• Target Graduation Race*: DCRRC's Women's Distance Festival/Men's Run After 5k on Sunday, June 7th, in Arlington, VA.

*Race registration fees not included in training program fees. Please register separately.

Program Details:

The training features three (3) coached sessions per week. Participants train as a group with head coaches and pace leaders on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm and Saturday mornings at 8:00 am. Two weekly workouts will focus on pacing, intervals, and endurance, while one day per week will feature a long run with some hill training. Participants are encouraged to train with the group when possible, but can also complete some of the workouts on their own as schedules demand.

Training Group Workouts:

• Tuesdays at 6:30 pm - Herbert Wells Ice Rink in College Park.

• Thursdays at 6:30 pm - Herbert Wells Ice Rink in College Park.

• Saturdays at 8:00 am - Various locations in PG County

Please note that Saturday trainings will be held at various locations around the county. Participants will receive weekly emails detailing training plans and Saturday location.

Program Requirements:

• Anyone ages 18 and up with the ability to walk and willingness to run.

• Minors may participate with a responsible adult.

• An active PGRC club membership is required. If you are not yet a member, you will be prompted to join PGRC during registration.

• Participants are encouraged to sign up to volunteer at a PGRC race in which you are not competing, as PGRC is a volunteer organization. PGRC’s Springburst 10K is on April 18th (sign up to volunteer here) and our very own PGRC Women’s Distance Festival 5K will be held in August (details to come).

Required Supplies & Equipment:

• Water (bring to every session)

• Proper running shoes

Recommended Supplies & Equipment:

• Hat with a visor

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Proper sports bras (women)

• Watch, stopwatch or an app for interval timing purposes

Medical Clearance:

If you are under medical care, have a medical condition, or have not exercised recently, we recommend you secure clearance from your doctor before participating in this or any training program.

Join us for the SOC Christopher Chambers Memorial 5-Mile Run, a community run dedicated to honoring the life, service, and sacrifice of fallen Navy SEAL SOC Christopher Chambers.

This memorial run is more than a race; it is a moment of remembrance, gratitude, and unity. We come together to memorialize Chris’s legacy, recognize the courage and commitment of those who serve, and raise funds to support his family.

The run will take place at the University of Maryland, following a scenic 5-mile route around the beautiful Lake Artemisia. The course offers a peaceful and reflective setting, allowing participants to run, walk, or ruck in honor of a hero who gave everything in service to others.

This event is open to all runners, walkers, students, service members, families, and supporters, anyone who wishes to show their respect and race in remembrance. Whether you are here to push your limits or take each step with quiet reflection, your presence helps keep Christopher's memory alive and provides meaningful support to those he left behind.

Bio:

Name: Christopher J. Chambers

Branch: USN

Unit: ST3 Charlie Platoon

Station Assigned: Coronado, CA

Hometown: Cheverly, Maryland

Family: Christopher J. Chambers leaves behind his wife, Mikale, and their daughter, Kennedy, along with his parents, Kevin and Lois Chambers, and sister Melanie Flynn.

Fallen on: January 12th, 2024

Christopher J. Chambers, a dedicated Navy SEAL, exemplified courage and selflessness, ultimately giving his life as a member of Charlie Platoon, SEAL Team 3, Leading Petty Officer. A former collegiate swimmer with a strong sense of duty, Chambers dedicated his life to serving his country.

Chambers was a Special Warfare Operator 1st Class, part of the elite SEAL Team 3, based out of Naval Base Coronado. He was known for his dedication, athleticism, and unwavering commitment to his fellow SEALs.

On January 11, 2024, Chambers and his team were conducting a nighttime boarding operation on a vessel illegally transporting weapons in the Arabian Sea. During the operation, Chambers tragically fell into the rough seas. Without hesitation, Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram bravely jumped into the turbulent waters to try to save his teammate. Tragically, both SEALs were lost at sea.

Though his life was cut short, Christopher Chambers' heroic actions embody the selfless spirit and unwavering brotherhood that define the Navy SEALs. He is remembered for his dedication to duty, his athletic prowess, and the ultimate sacrifice he made.

Together, we run with purpose.

Together, we remember.

Together, we honor SOC Christopher Chambers.

The Rene G. Haley Initiative giving season begins with our Spring Fundraiser.

Please join us for our 4th Annual “I Don’t Give A 5K” walk/run fundraiser on Sunday, April 26.

We always have a great time, and it’s a family-friendly event with competitive participants and exciting results. The race goes on, rain or shine, and we have a great time, no matter the weather.

We aim to raise $10K or more to support our community programs like the RGHI Annual Holiday Toy Drive, Fall School Coat Drive, The Huddle, educational workshops for young adults, and the RGHI college scholarship fund. We continue to give back to the community in remembrance of Rene G. Haley, an avid sportsman participating in swimming, snowboarding, basketball, skateboarding, and flag football events in the DMV. We miss him and continue to honor his life by helping youth and young adults in the community.

Rene wasn’t a runner; as a matter of fact, he “didn’t give a 5K,” but he supported his mother through all her 5K and marathon runs. And he was a fast runner when he had to.

Each year we put on this event as a way to celebrate his birth date, April 30. As the years pass, we continue celebrating his life and unique spirit.

So please come as you are, walk or run, have fun, meet new people, and enjoy the beautiful trail as you support the Rene G. Haley Initiative. If you cannot join us for the 5K (Walk/Run), we would appreciate your donation.

Race Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026

Race BiB Pickup: 8:00 am

Race Start time: 9:00 am

The course begins at the Herbert Wells Ice Rink - Linson Lot to Lake Artemesia and back to the Linson Lot.

Parking is available and free at the Linson Lot

To learn more about Rene G. Haley and the Initiative, please visit our website: https://www.reneghaleyinitiative.org/