Events
Place
401 Thomas Run Road
Bel Air, MD US 21015
Description
Join us Sun, July 30 at 8:30 at Harford Community College to help us outpace pediatric brain cancer. We have partnered with Charm City Run and Harford Community College to benefit the Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN), where 100% of donations go directly to research. All proceeds from this race will be donated directly to CBTN.
This race is being held in honor of Mackenzie Opdyke of Bel Air, MD.
In July of 2022, young Mackenzie was diagnosed with a type of brain cancer called a midline glioma. This form of brain cancer, while rare, can be particularly aggressive.
The Bel Air community, extended family, and friends have been exceptionally generous to Mackenzie’s family, and now they want to give back by raising money for pediatric brain cancer research, specifically glioma research, which receives little funding compared to more common cancers. Help ensure ongoing research can help one less family go through what the Opdyke family are experiencing right now.
ABOUT MACKENZIE
Mackenzie Opdyke is a nine year old girl from Bel Air, full of life and passion. She works hard at everything she sets her mind to and doesn't let adversity stop her. From school, to scouts, to lacrosse and field hockey, Mackenzie embodies the meaning of inner strength. Her love of science and astronomy inspire her to keep learning even as she faces ongoing treatment.
Follow Mackenzie’s Journey
If you want to understand more about what a glioma diagnosis means for a family, you can follow Mackenzie's journey on her CaringBridge page (you must register once for free with an email for privacy reasons):
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mackenzieopdyke
REGISTRATION FEES
WARRIORS HAVE SCARS
Early Bird (ends June 3, 2023)
$30 Valkyrie 5K
$25 Warriors’ 1M
Regular (ends July 7, 2023)
$35 Valkyrie 5K
$30 Warriors’ 1M
Late (July 8-July 30, 2023)
$40 Valkyrie 5K
$35 Warriors’ 1M
Registration for Virtual 5K or 1M
$35 for Satellite Registration (includes shipping)
*T-Shirt availability is not guaranteed after July 6th.
VIRTUAL RACE OPTION
We have created a virtual race option for those who would like to participate but are not local, or are unable to attend the in-person race. Here's how the virtual race works:
- Register for the virtual event, and sign up for text or e-mail notifications
- Your virtual race entry includes shipping and your race shirt will be mailed to you. *T-Shirt availability is not guaranteed after July 6th.
- You'll receive a text or email (if you opt in) when the race "starts" on July 29th.
- Run your race and submit your results either by text message or email (if you've opted in) or by heading to the results page here by July 30th at 11:59 PM Eastern Time). Results update in real time as people submit their times. Be sure to take a selfie and post on social media.
*Virtual race performances are not eligible for the event awards, but we'll certainly be acknowledging the winners in our post-race communication.
PACKET PICKUP
Friday, July 28, 2023 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Charm City Run - Bel Air
126 S. Main Street #2
Bel Air, MD 21014
Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Charm City Run - Timonium
2045 York Road
Timonium, MD 21093
Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 7:00am-8:15am
Harford Community College, 401 Thomas Run Road Bel Air, MD US 21015
*Packet Pickup locations and times are subject to change. Final Packet Pickup information will be sent in pre-race emails.
If you would like to pick up someone else's packet you must present their pre-race email that contains their QR code. We appreciate your cooperation with this.
RACE DAY INFORMATION
Race Day Schedule - Sun, July 30, 2023
7:00AM – 8:15AM -- Late Registration & Late Packet Pickup
8:00AM – Opening Ceremony
8:15AM – Warm-up
8:30AM – Runners Start
8:35AM – Walkers Start
10:00AM – Awards/Closing Ceremonies
* Schedule subject to change.
AMENITIES
All Participants Will Receive . . .
- Race Entry
- Race T-shirt (*T-Shirt availability is not guaranteed after July 6th.)
- Chip Timing (Provided by Charm City Run)
- Snacks
- Water (Locations: kick-off/exhibit area, along the race route, finish line)
- Instant results after the race (on-site and online)
AWARDS
In-kind donations from local businesses will be awarded to the Top (3) Male and Female Overall as well as the Top Male and Female in the following age categories:
- Adult (18 and over)
- Teen (13-17)
- Child (12 and under)
COURSE
STROLLER FRIENDLY!
The race will start at the Harford Community College auxiliary gym and travel on paved or gravel paths through the college campus.
PARKING
Plenty of race parking is available at Harford Community College, though we encourage participants to carpool.
Harford Community College
401 Thomas Run Road
Bel Air, MD US 21015
VOLUNTEERS
Want to help out? We couldn't do it without volunteers! There are lots of opportunities to get involved at the Valkyrie 5K. Click here to learn more and sign up.
BENEFICIARY
Children's Brain Tumor Network is a non-profit organization enabling research for over 30 types of pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors. Their open science model has shortened research time by up to 20 years. By working together to collect and share resources, we can save more children like Mackenzie.
EVENT GUIDELINES
Please no roller blades, skates, bikes, dogs, or other pets allowed on the race course. For your safety we discourage the use of headphones. Your race number must be worn on your front and must be visible. DO NOT exchange or give your race number to another participant.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
