Kent Island Running Group

About our Group

Kent Island Running Group is a 501©3 non-profit organization, founded in 2009 by a couple of friends, and has been growing ever since. Our mission is to promote a Healthy and Active lifestyle while working with and supporting local charities and organizations for the betterment of our community.

During the year we manage several running events open to the public that locally benefit continued education, animal welfare, and special needs programs. We meet at the Macum Creek Rest Area on the Cross Island Trail on Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. and Tuesday nights at 6:00 p.m. All paces are welcome. We look forward to seeing you!

KIRG Calendar

Calendar

Do you want to keep up with everything Kent Island Running Group offers? The link above will bring you to our updated calendar. This contains current information about group runs, races, and special events.

We Run The Shore

Group Runs

JOIN US!

Kent Island running group offers two group run opportunities each week. Our Saturday Group run meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Macum Creek Rest Area Trail Head for the Cross Island Trail. Paces and distances vary depending on what you need. Afterward, we meet for coffee and treats at Dessert First Coffee House. We also meet at the Macum Creek Rest Area on Tuesday nights to run various routes. The distances range from 4 to 5 miles.

Macum Creek Rest Area Location

Scholarships

The Kent Island Running Group established a scholarship fund in 2023. The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating high school student who attends Queen Anne’s County High School or Kent Island High School.

In 2026, we will be awarding this scholarship for the third year. The scholarship amount is $750 and will be granted to four students from Queen Anne's County public schools. While it is not required to be a member of your school’s track or cross-country team, applicants must either participate in a team that involves running or take part in running events within the community.

To see the other requirements and apply for the 2026 scholarship, click the link below and submit the completed application materials to KIRGscholarship@gmail.com.

Congratulations to our 2026 recipients!

Congratulations to our Scholarship recipients, (photo one), Queen Anne's County High School (from left to right), Morgan Morris: Attending McDaniel College, Kara Ringold: Attending University of Maryland, College Park, and (photo two), Kent Island High School, Reese Heyliger: Attending Mount St. Mary's University, and Kylie Taylor: Attending Tri-County Technical College. (photo three), Kent Island High School, Lilliana Mellinger: Attending Shepherd University

Thanks to KIRG for making the scholarships possible and the committee members, Kim, Connie, Don, Lexie, and Kirsten, for their time and thoughtful consideration. Each recipient was also presented with a KIRG hat and magnet.

Application Form

Kent Island Running Group Races

KIRG offers three races throughout the year. Our first race for 2027, the Hot Chocolate 5k, will be held on March 7th. This race benefits our Scholarship program. Our April race is the Fast and Furriest Run for Rescues 5k, 10k, and 15k. The 15k is in the RRCA Grand Prix Race Series. This race benefits local animal shelters, and the 2027 date is TBD. New this year will be our Stocking Suffer 8-hour Endurance Race at Terrapin Park in December. Stay tuned for more information on this event.

Hot Chocolate 5k

Hot Chocolate 5K

The 2027 5K will be run on Sunday, March 7, with the hopes that the weather will be chilly and clear. The rain/snow date is Sunday, March 14th, just in case Mother Nature does not cooperate this year. Our event is a family-friendly/dog-friendly race run during the doldrums of winter. We get you off the couch and out of the house for this fun run. Start and finish at the Kent Island Elementary School, and the course takes you along the scenic Cross Island Trail.

So get out your running shoes and sweats and train for this fun 5K. And remember, there is Hot Chocolate at the finish!